Decades of wedding dresses on display at Clague House Museum

Currently on display through September at the Clague House Museum, 1371 Clague Rd. in Westlake, is a special display  of "Wedding Dresses Through The Decades." This display provides a unique look back into wedding fashions of the past and explains how some of our customs have evolved.   

The 1930s gave us the glamorous Hollywood look, the 1920s gave us the flapper style and the 1980s reminded us of the feel of royalty as Princess Diana's gown influenced wedding fashions throughout the decade and even into the '90s. The display highlights how bridal fashion have changed through the years.  

The preparations for this special display have kept museum volunteers very busy for several weeks. Each wedding dress holds precious memories and is a very precious item of clothing for brides regardless of the decade of their marriage. The simple 1860s work-dress-turned-wedding-dress is an example of what was worn by early youthful brides in Ohio. The dress worn in 1942 is a classic example of period wedding fashion that also features the actual Bible used in the ceremony. The 1990s bride wore a wedding dress lovingly sewn by her mom who has since passed away.

These and the other dresses on display are sure to evoke classic memories for all who view them! The display preparation also helped to bring many of the members of the society together: the Westlake High School student who made sure the 1860s dress looked just fine, the volunteer who had a firm command of the clothing steamer, the family who volunteered to help carefully place each mannequin.   

The Museum is indebted to those who have graciously loaned dresses for the display. The museum and display will be open during the Antique, Vintage & Craft Show, held on Sunday, July 15, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The museum will open from noon-4 on that same day.

The museum and display will also be also be open from 2-4 p.m. on the first and fourth Sundays of each month and by appointment. For more information, please check the society website at www.westlakeohiohistory.org or call 440-808-1961.

 

Lysa Stanton

Westlake Historical Society

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Volume 4, Issue 14, Posted 12:53 PM, 07.10.2012