Collection of Original Textiles

[northerngal]

Hello all,

I've been working with the Luzerne County Historical Society for the past few months, and I've finally been given free reign of the textiles collection. They have an amazing collection there...just to mention a few things: Sitting Bull's wild west show costume, Frances Slocum's earrings, moccasins, and the dress she was wearing when discovered living among Delaware Indians in Indiana in the 1830s. They also have garments dating as early as the American Revolution and many, many early American samplers, coverlets, and quilts. Literally thousands of items.

On this website, I've posted some photographs of some of the garments I've taken a closer look at. I've also posted the detailed notes I took on the garments regarding construction and materials. This site will be continually updated. Enjoy.

Natalie Baur

http://specswimmer.tripod.com/originals.html

[KathyBradford]

Re: Collection of Original Textiles

Wow, Natalie!

What beautiful things you have! Thank you so much for posting the pictures, and I really enjoyed the detailed notes. Just this morning, I was wondering how historical societies could more effectively gain attention for their holdings. Some here have had experiences that have been less than hopeful, but you're singlehandedly doing something extremely important.

I'm looking forward to all the things you mentioned for the future. I'm sure many and especially Karin Timour will enjoy anything you can detail or show about the stockings. She's taken reproducing them to a whole new art form.

You're the right person at the right place at the right time.

[northerngal]

Re: Collection of Original Textiles

Hi Kathy...

Each time that I'm able to make it over to the Historical Society, I am even more amazed with the things that I find. They've got an incredible collection there. It boggles my mind to think how little of it was ever displayed or examined in detail. A lot of it has been sitting in boxes since the items were first accessioned. And it's a pretty old Historical Society, and a lot of the older items were donated in the 1920s and 1930s. Thankfully they were put in better storage sometime in the 1980s. They've got two large storage rooms packed to the ceilings with boxes, several rows of closets with racks and racks of things, and then they've got at least fifteen rolls of early coverlets and quilts. The textiles aren't just limited to clothing, either. There are boxes that are reserved solely for storing household linens, as early as the late 18th century. They're stunning...all hand-embroidered and trimmed with hand-made laces.
Aside from the fact that I'm surrounded by hundreds of articles of clothing, many over 100 years old, I'm able to get a glimpse into what people were surrounded by on a daily basis. Just sitting in those storage rooms, working alone, is a unique experience in itself. The clothing is beautiful, yes...but seeing the mistakes in the stitching and the not-so-perfect felled seams reminds me that human hands made these things. And these things that these people have left behind can not be forgotten or neglected. It would be sheer ignorance and foolheartedness to neglect the tangible past. That's why I've started this website, for all to learn and enjoy!

Thanks again,

Natalie Baur