RUMFORD — The Rumford Historical Society will host its annual Meeting of the Members at 7 p.m. May 15, featuring a fashion history presentation by member Louise Horne.

Society President Jane Peterson said Horne volunteered to present fashions of Rumford, from 1800 to the 1960s.

“She’s going to have people presenting the different clothes that the early settlers wore,” Peterson said. “Some of the garments are from her personal collection.”

Horne said she has been studying fashion history all her life. She has worked as a hairdresser since 1960, which she said “sort of sparked her interest in fashion.”

Horne has done several presentations in the River Valley area over the years. Venues where she’s presented include Andover Old Home Days Dinner Fashion Review; the Red Hat Society of Rumford, Mexico and Dixfield and the 100th anniversary of the Rumford Book Club.

“A lot of the clothing are original items from the actual era,” Horne said. “Some of the clothing had to be recreated. Sometimes, things just wear out and you can’t salvage it.”

Live models will be used to showcase the clothing, Horne said, with volunteers both “young and old” contributing.

“I’ve always loved doing this,” Horne said. “People can take a trip down memory lane by seeing the different clothes that their ancestors wore.”

Horne said she may try to discuss the history of what men and women did during these particular eras in order to tie the fashion part of the presentation to the Historical Society.

“All in all, I think that it will be a good night for residents and members alike,” Horne said.

Peterson said that the society will also present the slate of officers and directors for 2013-2014 for election by the members.

mdaigle@sunjournal.com

Copy the Story Link