Farmers Bank of Rustico celebrated 150 years since charter

     I recently had the honour of chairing an event at the Farmer's Bank of Rustico whereby we celebrated the 150th anniversary of the signing of the bank's charter in 1864.
     Here's the story published in the Guardian newspaper a few days after the celebration.

     For more than 20 years I've been a  member of the Farmer's Bank of Rustico board of directors and have participated in many aspects of developing the Farmers Bank Museum, Doucet House and Acadian culture.  

     Over the years I've studied Acadian costuming and from that knowledge put on workshops at the Farmers Bank - we made all the costumes used on the site.  I was also involved in the restoration of the 1772 Doucet Log House from the conservation report, through restoration, to planning events and activities at the house, including a Fall Flavours event whereby I make an Acadian meals in the large sandstone fireplace and outdoor bread oven. 

     Below are a few photos over the years...

Below: the Doucet log house prior to restoration - the Farmers Bank is in the background.

Above: the Doucet House restoration complete.  Below: Fireplace and Bread Oven.

Below: Making Acadian Costumes - we had fabrics specially woven for skirts.

Millinery Course

     The past few weeks I've been taking a hat making ( aka. Millinery ) course in Charlottetown.  We learned how to make this hat.  

      We took buckram (a stiff piece of fabric ) then took strips of platted ( braided ) straw, sewing one strip on at a time.  Trim was applied, the inside was lined and artificial flowers arranged.  There's still for work to do on the hat before it can be officially worn.

Come to Prince Edward Island in 2014 and celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the birth of Canada

http://www.pei2014.ca/

Over 150 Events Helping to Create a Legacy for 2014

     2014 marks the 150th anniversary of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference – the event that led to Canadian Confederation. Year-long, province-wide celebrations will pay tribute to one of the most important events in our nation’s history – and you’re invited! PEI 2014 has something for everyone. For a complete list of the more than 150 festivals, events, and activities taking place throughout 2014, see below.

     Looking for something a little more specific? Our PEI 2014 search engine is designed to find the events and activities that appeal most to you and your family. Simply let us know when you’re looking to enjoy an event or activity, what types of events and activities you’re interested in, and if you have a preferred area of the Island. Fill out the fields below and the search engine will do the rest.

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.

CBC TV: Period clothes en vogue for 2014 celebrations

cf. CBC website:  http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/period-clothes-en-vogue-for-2014-celebrations-1.2481930

CBC News Posted: Jan 02, 2014 3:05 PM AT Last Updated: Jan 02, 2014 3:05 PM AT

  

            With the PEI 2014 celebrations now underway, some Islanders are updating their wardrobes with a step back in time to 150 years ago — the year of the Charlottetown Conference.

            Karen Beauregard is making a period dress for herself from scratch. She's discovering the challenge of such a big sewing project. 

            "The yards and yards and yards of fabric ... I couldn't imagine not having an electric sewing machine ...They could only invite so many people to parties because the gowns took up so much room when they were dancing," she said.

            Beauregard has learned a lot from Arnold Smith, an Islander who has a passion for period fashion.

            In the fall, Smith hosted a dress-making class in his home in Pleasant Valley led by fabric artist Ann-Blair White.

            They'll hold another one later this month.

            The goal is to encourage Islanders celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference to dress for the occasion, said Smith.

            "If they're doing various functions, garden parties, reenactments, whatever, or if someone just wanted to dress up and go for a stroll down through Victoria Park, give the tourists a thrill and let them take their picture, there's lots of things you can do," he said.

 A love of period clothing

            Back in 1989, for the 125th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference, Smith played the role of founding father Andrew A. MacDonald.

            It was then Smith developed his love of collecting and making period clothing.

            Smith picks up items at auctions and vintage clothing stores.

And he's happy to lend his collection to spirited Islanders with tail feathers for the men and elaborate dresses for the ladies.

            "And it doesn't necessarily have to be something that looks 1864," he said.

            "You can do any period through the time because part of the celebration is that they're celebrating the whole past, not just that one particular night."

            Smith is also working on a couple outfits for the lieutenant governor's wife, Dorothy.

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!

Fox Hunt 2013

     For the third year in a row, we hosted the third PEI Fox Hunter here on our farm.   
     No animals were hurt during this event.  A coyote-scented drag was taken through the countryside by ATV for the hounds to chase.

     I invited a few friends in to watch the goings-on from out sunroom and enjoy seeing the horses and hounds.