Review of Period Fashions - 1864 and Beyond

AN EVENT ORGANIZED BY THE I.O.D.E. AND THE WATERMARK THEATRE, HOSTED BY ARNOLD SMITH.

     We had a great time at The Watermark Theatre on Saturday evening with our period fashion show.  

     The evening started with a vignette from the new Watermark Theatre play, "What to Wear to the Birth of a Nation".

     The fashion show was narrated and presented by myself.  The first period dress to be modeled was worn by Prince Edward Island's Lt. Governor's wife, Her Honour, Mrs. Frank Lewis.  During the show we saw many dresses and outfits made by myself and my sister Anita.  In addition to our fashions were the dresses created and modeled by many of the people who took the period costuming class (taught by A.B. White and myself) at my house last winter.  We ended the fashion show portion of the evening with Gracie Finley modeling a light yellow gown I made for my sister Vivian.

     The next item on the agenda was Intermission - an opportunity for those attending to see displays; mingle with models and see them up close; and to have tea and dessert served by the ladies of the I.O.D.E 

     The last item on the agenda was Period Dance - English and Scottish Dance and Quadrilles presented by the Beaconsfield Assembly Dancers.

     We had a great evening with a full theatre - thanks to all who participated.  
     Below are photos from the evening.

Ardgowan Garden Party - Sept. 1992

     I came across the following photos the other day - they were taken at the Ardgowan Garden Party in September 1992.  We were celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Confederation of Canada in 1867.
     The black and white photos were taken by the late Phyllis Pitre.  

     Above: I portrayed the youngest Father of Confederation, Andrew A. MacDonald of Georgetown.  Below: my niece Tammy

 Below:  Here I am with my niece Leon.

     Below: We're chatting with my mother Dorothy (center seated) and my sister Nancy.  Three years earlier Mom and I got our start making period costumes by producing gowns for the 125th celebration of the 1864 Confederation Conference.

 Below:  Here I am with my 3 nieces and 2 nephews!

 Below: A few of us Fathers of Confederation discussing business.

      The following photo, taken by another, was at Fanningbank /  Government House with Lt. Gov. Marion Reid (1990-1995) hosting Governor General Ray Hnatyshyn (1990-1995).
     There I am standing on the far right next to the pillar with my hat over my head in the same pose and position as Andrew A. MacDonald did in 1864.

2014 - 150th Anniversary of the Confederation Conference - 1864

     I've spent the past few weeks gearing up costume making for the upcoming 150th anniversary of the Fathers of Confederation Conference which was held in September 1864.   
     Our Island government has a whole year of events planned for the great occasion!  Celebrations begin on New Years Eve - tomorrow!  Here's a link to what's going on...

http://www.tourismpei.com/index.php3?number=1048584&lang=E

     We've had alot of snow these past two weeks - here's a photo of my house, taken today.

     I was interviewed this morning by the local CBC TV station about the projects I'm working on.  I tidied up my work-space for the occasion -see photos below.    
     Here I am working on a Cape Coat to be worn on New Years Eve.

Below: a few costumes on display in my basement work areas.

 Below are two vintage outfits except for the ladies shawl which I made.

Below: Ball Gown.

Below: Shawl.

Looking into the inner basement room. 

     Below: a ladies Cape Coat that I've been working on since before Christmas.  I have tassel trimming hanging over the shoulders here, not sure if I'm going to use it - the coat is almost finished.

Below:  Misc. mens tail coats, morning jackets, frock coats, etc.

     Below: the outer basement room - we use both these rooms for costume making, displays and sewing classes.

    Happy New Year to All!!  Come to Prince Edward Island in 2014 to help us celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Birth of Canada!