Style Through the Ages

Style through the Ages highlights the style of different time periods, primarily encompassing the late 19th century through the 1950s. On display are wedding dresses, party dresses, nightwear, and attire for daily life, along with some basic accessories to match. Most of the clothing displayed is part of the Vestal Museum collection and was actually worn by Vestal residents. Each room in the museum is dedicated to a certain event.

In the front room, viewers can find wedding wear. Betty Sweet’s wedding dress from her 1953 wedding to Francis Rausch is on display, along with a collection of photos, cards, and newspaper clippings from their big day. Zena Crane’s dress from her 1907 wedding is also on display. Her photo can be seen in the display case directly next to her dress.

Traveling into the next room, viewers will encounter a decadent scene featuring formal and party attire. Much of the party attire comes from the 1920s and 1930s, when women were cutting their hair, hiking up their skirts, and dancing wildly to jazz music.

In the back room, viewers will find a seamstress’ workroom, complete with a sewing table, ironing board, and a slew of freshly-made dresses. For the bulk of the 19th and early 20thcenturies, hiring a seamstress was one of the primary ways to have a new, custom-fit dress made. Most of the textiles on display in this exhibit have been hand-produced, as opposed to relying on mass production.

We can look through these galleries, and to history, to illustrate how fashion has changed over the years. From the 19thcentury even to the early 20th century, notice the difference in the garments as they gradually become shorter, with lower necklines, and less conservative ideals. As fashion changed, so did the women, as they petitioned for social change and won the right to vote.

Our goal in the Style through the Ages exhibit is not only to emphasize the importance of fashion in illustrating history, but also to display the amazing collection of garments that the Vestal Museum has in its collection. Although small, the museum has a lot to offer, as exemplified throughout this exhibition.

As you walk through the galleries, take note of the clothing. Is there anything you recognize from your own closet? Fashion trends have a funny way of repeating themselves and you might find some familiar features as you peruse the exhibit.