Preservation Project

[Virginia Mescher]

Re: Preservation Project

Virginia,
Thank you for doing such great research on fund raising dolls and for sharing it with the rest of us. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your article.
Is there any chance Civility will get some photos taken at the AGSAS Fair? While I'd love to attend, California is just a bit too far away to make it feasible.

Sandy,

I'm glad you enjoyed the article. I had fun writing it. I've always loved dolls and this gave me an opportunity to justify my playing with them again.

Yes, we will be taking pictures of the AGSAS fair and I'm sure we will find a way to post the pictures.

[Sandy Whitlow]

Re: Preservation Project

Sandy,

I'm glad you enjoyed the article. I had fun writing it. I've always loved dolls and this gave me an opportunity to justify my playing with them again.

Yes, we will be taking pictures of the AGSAS fair and I'm sure we will find a way to post the pictures.

Virginia,
I look forward to seeing the pictures as it will be great to see Civility doing her job at a proper fund raising fair.
I have to admit that my obsession with 19th century dolls seems to be growing of late which is why I think the Civility Preservation Project is especially exciting. We can all "play" with dolls again while doing something important for historic preservation. Thanks, Elizabeth!

[ElizabethClark]

Re: Preservation Project

Friends, Sandy has done up a gorgeous miniature Nine-Patch quilt for the project (and has given permission to put the pattern for it into the Free Patterns section)... the little squares are about 1/2", finished!

[col90]

Re: Preservation Project

Friends, Sandy has done up a gorgeous miniature Nine-Patch quilt for the project (and has given permission to put the pattern for it into the Free Patterns section)... the little squares are about 1/2", finished!

Pictures, Liz..we want PICTURES!! :)

Colleen

[ElizabethClark]

Re: Preservation Project

You'll get them, too... just after I get back from teaching in California. :) I leave next Thursday, and will be back after a long weekend, and then I'll knuckle down to the updates and images. :)

[Sherry Key]

Re: Preservation Project

Folks, there are some nifty pictures of some of Civility's travels to date on Elizabeth's site if you can't wait.

The Palmetto Soldiers Relief Society, a living history group in South Carolina, recreated the Great Bazaar of 1865 held in Columbia, SC. We held our bazaar in 2006 and included a china doll with wardrobe, bed, various accessories and a trunk, which we raffled. Although not as extensively outfitted as Civilty, our whole group contributed and feel it was a success. We were able to make a nice contribution to several preservation projects. It was a fun project and it has been fun to follow Civility and her travels.

Good luck with the project Liz!

Sherry Key.

[Sandy Whitlow]

Re: Preservation Project

Liz,
Thanks for your kind words about my quilt. It was fun to do and I have to say, I'll take sewing doll quilts over full size quilts any day! I hope other folks will enjoy the pattern once you get it posted.
Sherry,
Did you happen to take photos of your fund raising doll? She sounds great and I'm sure many of us would love to see her. :)

[Sherry Key]

Re: Preservation Project

Sandy,

Yes, there are pictures. I am not real handy at posting these things so let me play around and see what I can do.

Sherry Key.

[col90]

Re: Preservation Project

Civility recently visited Washington City, Virginia, and Maryland. I've posted pictures of her visit to the Ladies Aid Fair at Belair in Maryland, and will have her travelogue and visit to Washington City posted shortly. If you have not bought a chance on this wonderful doll, I would urge you to do so. She is great, and is going to have a marvelous wardrobe, trunk, and many material culture items, all accurate to the period.

Information for the tickets may be found at http://www.elizabethstewartclark.com...lity/About.htm

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a4/...ty/arrival.jpg her arrival, and greeting by her cousin Emily

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a4/...itysstuff2.jpg Some of Civility's donated wardrobe

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a4/...eauxvivant.jpg Talking with two of the actresses in the tableaux vivants

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a4/...omaninshoe.jpg Buying dolls from the Old Woman in the Shoe

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a4/...jacobswell.jpg Quenching their thirst at "Jacob's Well"

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a4/...tuneteller.jpg Having their fortune told!


Civility and Emily had a great time at the fair, as did everyone else!!

Colleen Formby

[col90]

Re: Preservation Project

TRAVEL JOURNAL OF CIVILITY

VISIT TO WASHINGTON CITY

I finally arrived in the East to visit my cousin Emily. She lives with her guardians, “Uncle Michael” and “Aunt Virginia” in Burke, Virginia which is near Fairfax. They met me at the rail station outside of Fairfax on 29 August. Since I was very tired from my long trip on the cars I rested for several days.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a4/csecesh/Civility/arrival.jpg

Uncle Michael thought that we would enjoy an excursion into Washington City to visit some of the sites of the city. He even engaged a photographer to record our visits to the locations so that I could take the memories with me when I left. He assisted the photographer at times. We took the cars into the Washington City since it would have taken too long to travel by carriage.

I must have looked a sight and very much the country cousin in the photographs. My trunk, with most of my clothing in it, was mislaid during my journey on the cars to Burke and my best bonnet suffered an early demise while on the trip. I had briefly removed it to freshen my face and an enormous gentleman stumbled as the train lurched and FELL upon my lovely bonnet which was resting in the seat beside me. Although he was most apologetic and did offer to give me money for a new bonnet, of course, I could not accept money from a stranger. I was mortified at the entire incident. Cousin Emily was kind enough to lend me some clothing but I shall have to make do with what I have until my trunk eventually arrives.

Our first stop was at the Smithsonian. It is a wonderful building and looks like a castle. Mr. James Smithson was very generous to give the money to the United States for a museum. We went inside and were awed by the immense columns and flooring. There were a great many objects on display. We were even allowed to sit upon a bone from a dinosaur. There were stuffed birds and animals, skeletons of strange animals, more wondrous sights than the eye can behold.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a4/csecesh/Civility/smithhall1.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a4/csecesh/Civility/castle1.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a4/csecesh/Civility/dinosaur1.jpg

We then traveled to the monument dedicated to George Washington. It was quite incomplete but I am sure that when it is finished that it will be magnificent. It is shameful that his house, Mount Vernon is in such disrepair but we hear the Sarah Hale, the editor of Godey’s is helping raise money for the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association so that they can buy Mount Vernon.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a4/csecesh/Civility/mon1.jpg

Next we stopped by the White House where President Buchanan lives. Since he was not at home we did not stop for a visit or tea.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a4/csecesh/Civility/whitehouse1.jpg

We crossed the street to rest in Lafayette Park and see the statues of President Jackson and Lafayette. The park was very pleasant.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a4/csecesh/Civility/lafayettepark1.jpg

Our next stop was at the treasury building which blocks the view between the White House and the Capitol. Uncle Michael told us that when they were trying to decide where to build the building, there was an argument and President Jackson was tired of listening so he went out and stood at the location and proclaimed that the building would be built there.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a4/csecesh/Civility/treas1.jpg

After a tiring morning, we stopped at the Willard Hotel to freshen up and have some refreshments. It is beautiful inside and we learned Lafayette and Jenny Lind were guests there.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a4/csecesh/Civility/willard1.jpg

Uncle Michael thought that we might enjoy seeing the patent models at the Patent Office. It was quite interesting to see all the tiny models of new inventions. Of course, Emily and I did not understand all of the mechanical models but there were some things that we did recognize. There were sewing machines, machines to make pins, stoves, clothespins, tea pots, fruit jars, and all sorts of other things that we use.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a4/csecesh/Civility/patentoffice.jpg

Our next stop was a surprise. Uncle Michael and Aunt Virginia have plans to take us to Ford’s Theater and we stopped to purchase tickets for a play. We are very excited about another outing into Washington City.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a4/csecesh/Civility/fords1.jpg

Finally, we reached the Capitol building and were awed by the magnificent building, even though the new dome was not complete. There is a wonderful view of the city from the hill and you can see all the way to Washington’s monument and all the avenues below. Washington City is beautiful even if it is a bit dusty and noisy. I expect that is gets very muddy when it rains but it has been very dry lately. There are so many people that I feel quite DIZZY.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a4/csecesh/Civility/capitol.jpg

We then traveled across the Potomac River to visit Arlington House and the Lees. Unfortunately, Mrs. Lee was not at home but we left our cards. The house and garden are wonderful and we look forward to being able to visit with Mrs. Lee another time.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a4/csecesh/Civility/leegarden.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a4/csecesh/Civility/leeporch.jpg

Our day-long excursion came to an end and we returned to Burke where Aunt Virginia had been preparing our tea.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a4/csecesh/Civility/teaparty.jpg

My stay with Emily, Uncle Michael and Aunt Virginia has been very pleasant. We have stayed at home quite a bit preparing for a Ladies’ Aid Society Fair which Aunt Virginia, her friend Miss Colleen Formby and others in her group have been planning for a quite a few months. They are raising money for worthy causes. We have been busy making fancy fair items and baking treats for the fair. After rushing around the day before the fair and decorating the hall we were very tired the night before the fair.

The DAY finally arrived and the FAIR was a wonder to behold. Uncle Michael hired a photographer to take images so that I could them home in an album and again he assisted the photographer. I really think Uncle Michael secretly wants to be a photographer but Aunt Virginia says it’s just a passing fancy and the he will find something else to occupy his interest at a later date. He always is interested in doing new things.

There were many booths to see and so many people came to see the sights, play the games and buy our wares. There were fortune tellers and Emily and I were so BOLD as to have our palms read by the gypsy ladies. It was very frightening to go into the candle lit room and but we were both told that we would have long lives, marry handsome men and have many wonderful children.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a4/csecesh/Civility/fortuneteller.jpg

Unfortunately the photographer failed to take a picture of the table with fancy fair items but we had made knitted caps, crocheted scarves and a ladies’ necktie, handkerchiefs, a knitted hood, socks, needlebooks, bookmarks, and stationery. Next to that table was one that sold wooden toys of all sorts. The children had fun playing with jackstraws, blocks, whistles, tops, pecking chickens, dominoes and their parents went home with much less money in their pockets than when they arrived at the fair.

Another booth that the children LOVED was the fish pond. The pond looked so real with rocks and moss, that you almost expected a fish to jump out of the water or at least a frog to start croaking. We held our fishing pole over the fishing hole and hoped hook a FISH which were really prizes in poke bags. Some children received a top, whistle, or candy while some lucky ones received a book of paper dolls. Emily and I each received a paper doll book. I shall give mine to my little sister.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a4/csecesh/Civility/fishpond.jpg

There was another booth called the Old Woman and the Shoe. It was a very big shoe that held home-made dolls for sale. I remember seeing the instructions for making the dolls in one of my books that I had when I was younger. I think it was in a book by Miss Leslie, The American Girls’ Book and it had many activities in it. I wonder where the book is now. We could have used it for ideas for fancy fair items.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a4/csecesh/Civility/oldwomaninshoe.jpg

People could also purchase refreshments at the Fair. There was a Jacob’s Well where a kind lady had lemonade and Turkish sherbert to offer. This was the first time I had ever had Turkish sherbert and it was a thick fruit drink that was very cold and VERY refreshing on a hot day.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a4/csecesh/Civility/jacobswell.jpg

There was also a Baker’s Dozen table that had many different baked goods for sale. There was gingerbread, tea cakes, ginger snaps, shortbread, fruit drops, ginger cakes, and pound cake. The ladies must have been baking for days before the fair to have such an selection. By the time the fair was over, everything was gone.

There was a stage set up for tableaux vivants. This was the first time I had seen the living pictures and it was magical. It was almost as if there was a painting in front of us and there was also someone reading a story about the scene. They presented a number of pictures at each performance.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a4/csecesh/Civility/tableauxvivant.jpg

I think my FAVORITE part of the Fair was the room where they had a selection of doll clothes on display. The Ladies’ Aid Society has been helping with a doll raffle. People are purchasing chances on wining the doll and her wardrobe. There has been some talk among the church people that this is GAMBLING but I REALLY don’t think so. The tickets cost very little and I may even purchase a chance by using some of my pocket money that Uncle Michael kindly gave me. The proceeds are going to a worthy cause and I DON’T see how this could do anyone any harm.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a4/csecesh/Civility/civitysstuff2.jpg

The doll has been traveling from house to house and each lady has been helping dress the doll or contributing to her wardrobe or belongings. Not everything that has been made for the doll was on display but there were still many contributions there. The nimble fingers of the ladies produced quilts, knitted shawls, sontag, and a colorful nubia, a dress and petticoat, a sunbonnet, a miniature game, books, a small knitting basket, a tiny housekeeper’s necessaire that I had seen in a Godey’s, a small doll like the ones sold in doll booth, a tea set, a regular apron and a patriotic apron, and someone even made her a FUR tippet. Oh, how I have LONGED for a tippet like that one. I wish it was large enough to fit me.

After the Fair was over we cleaned up and arrived home VERY fatigued but happy. We hope that our efforts have been enough to help make a difference and help aid in the worthy causes but now all we want to do is rest. Doing good works is TIRING.

I will be leaving soon to return back to my home. I have enjoyed my visit with Emily, Uncle Michael and Aunt Virginia. My trunk never arrived but Emily has been most kind in lending me some of her clothing and she gave me a sunbonnet and shawl to wear on my return journey. I have seen a great many wondrous sights and will always remember the trip, especially since Uncle Michael made me a photograph album to take home. They took me to the station at Fairfax where I met the cars to began my journey home. It was very difficult to say our farewells, not knowing if I will ever see everyone again.

The journey home was uneventful but after arriving home, I received a letter from Emily saying that my trunk came the day after I left Uncle Michael’s. They sent it on its way and it should be here soon. I’m glad that it was not lost forever. Hopefully, in the future, travelers will not have to worry about lost luggage or belongings. It is difficult to imagine how something so well marked and so large could be misplaced for so long. It must have taken a trip around the country without me. I’m tired from traveling but I expect that I shall be staying at home for quite awhile for now but you never know what will happen. Maybe I will be taking another journey quite soon but my trunk should arrive BEFORE I leave.

[Charles Heath]

Re: Preservation Project

You really have to keep a close eye on some of those fortune tellers. ;)

[ElizabethClark]

Re: Preservation Project

Yeah, I thought one of them looked shifty. :) Ladies, you look to have put on a fantastic event! Huge kudos, and thanks again for hosting Civility. I'm so impressed with the work everyone is doing for this project! Very, very cool. I even know a few fellows, who wouldn't normally get jazzed about dolls, who've commented that the level of accuracy and research into these tiny pieces is just amazing. And, it is!

[Secesh]

Re: Preservation Project

Oh...you're such a girl!!! :D

Actually, I think that's a great idea! I know my little 8 yr old would love one for her collection! Best regards.

[ElizabethClark]

Re: how about a forum project, fundraiser?

It is a good idea. It's generally an 18 month process, start to finish... definitely not instant gratification. :) In this case, each participant is very generously donating not only time, materials, and skills, but also postage... otherwise, a doll like this can easily accumulate several hundred dollars in postage costs, not to mention separate shipment costs for the collection items.

I'm not opposed at all... let's get this doll raffled, and the proceeds sent to the CWPT, and I'll be glad to spearhead something similar for 2008-2009! :)

Tom, there's no reason to skip the chance to add the doll for your daughter's collection now, of course... all ticket sale funds are going to the Civil War Preservation Trust, and they're on sale in the Doll Case section (click on the Civility Tour information link once you're there) until October 31. Military men *are* allowed to buy into it. :)

[S. Hampton]

Civility Preservation Doll Photos Online

Morning all!

I just wanted to update this thread to let everyone know that I managed to take photos of all of items Civility currently has in her wardrobe. I've posted them online at:

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v462/civusv/Sewing%20Academy%20Forum/Civility%20and%20Wardrobe/

For more information on the 2007 Civility Doll Preservation Project, please go to Elizabeth Stewart Clark's forum, The Sewing Academy, at:

http://thesewingacademy.org/

You can find the information in the "Dolls" section of the forum under "The Civility Project" folder. You can also reach that section of the forum at:

http://thesewingacademy.org/index.php?board=21.0

Enjoy!

Stacy

PS Below is a teaser of the Civility doll images online.