1^st Annual Mt. Pulaski Fashion Luncheon & Style Show

Sunday, June 12, 2005

       What a smashing success!  Over 90 ladies and some of their husbands spent part of their Sunday afternoon dining on elegant china, using heirloom silverware, and drinking out of delicate crystal.  The menu featured a summer’s delight Ribbon Loaf with chilled Cranberry salad and large Chocolate-dipped strawberries.  Each of the twelve tables were set in a different theme, many of them reflecting a holiday spirit or some ceremonial event.  In his opening remarks, Mayor Bill Glaze spoke of the untiring efforts of Mrs. Betty Hickey, who has master-minded the on-going restoration of the two up-stair floors of the Mt. Pulaski Township Historical Society Museum.  She later remarked that she owed this to her beloved parents and to her wonderful up-bringing in the Mt. Pulaski community.

       The afternoon program was highlighted with a Vintage Style Show, which included a nostalgic look at fashions in the 1800’s and early 1900’s.  There was a very interesting demonstration of the dressing of a proper lady of the 1860’s, presented by ladies from the Macoupin County Historical Society.  Then, twelve young ladies modeled fashions from the past 150 years – all of them worn by local women of Mount Pulaski area yesteryears.  Several of these owners were present to see their beloved fashions spring to life again on younger bodies: Mary Ruwe, Maxine Downing, Florence Stoll, Dolly Buckles, Shirley Singley, Pat Singley, Waneta Stephens, Mildred Hahn, Lois Schmidt, and Eileen Froehlich among the so honored.  The high school models capped off the style show wearing their recent 2005 prom dresses.

       The Mount Pulaski Township Historical Society [MPTHS] sponsored, planned and directed this colorful event in order to focus attention to the organization’s efforts at providing Mt. Pulaski Township with one of the finest historical and genealogical museums of its kind.  The renovation of the museum’s two up-stair floors is magically transforming these rooms into historical treasures of yesteryear:  an elegant parlor, a sewing room, a large music-sports-classroom, and a vintage dining room to mention a few.  Many items have already been donated by local families and individuals.  Funds are needed for an elevator, in order that the older folks can view the conditions in which they once lived.  Some additional heirloom furniture and various display items are also needed to complete this glimpse into a living spectacle of yesteryear.   Please contact the Mt. Pulaski Township Historical Museum for further information:  (217) 792 - 3719 or by E-mail:  mpths@frontiernet.net

       The MPTHS sponsors this website.

by phil bertoni