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Lecture Series
Exhibits

                    Vintage Clothing and Textile Exhibit

    There are currently over 257 pieces of clothing and accessories in the permanent collection of the Amos Herr House Foundation.  Fifty five items are on display.  Following are some interesting facts about clothing in the 1800's.

Q.  Where did all the clothing come from?

A.   All of the pieces have been donated by members of various families.  Many articles come with histories and interesting “tidbits” about the original owners.

Q.  Why is there only “fancy” garments or “Sunday best” in the exhibit?

A.   In the 1800's most persons had only one or two Sunday or special occasion garments.  Their everyday clothes were worn until they were “worn out”.  Then they were cut into strips of cloth or pieces and used to make rugs or quilts or cleaning rags.  Many times adult clothing was cut down to fit children if it still “had some life” in it.

Q.  Why is the 1867 bride’s dress dark gray?

A.   Wedding dresses of this time period were either brown, gray or black.  By the late 1800's brides could choose cream colored dresses.

Q.   Why do the boy’s wool suits have shorter pants?

A.   In the 1800's boys wore knee length pants called knickers.  These were worn with long stockings.  When a boy reached the age of 12 he was allowed to wear long pants.  Little boys often wore dresses until the age of two or three.

Q.   Where do we keep the clothing in our collection?

A.    Every piece is catalogued, folded in acid free tissue paper and then placed into acid free boxes.

Q.   How does the textile exhibit fit into the history of the Herr Homestead?

A.   Emma Herr came to the Herr Homestead in 1902, marrying Amos Herr Sr. In her diaries she writes, “Every spring and fall I must air the chest.  Take out the linens, refold them, air the blankets.”  We have decided to air out the “kas”(a large standing cupboard in the hired man’s room.  Many of the linens are hand woven and home spun.

This collection provides a perfect way for children and adults to take a personal look into the daily lives of 19^th century persons.  Whether it be children in a winter setting around a sled, dolls having a tea party, or wedding finery waiting for the bride, you will find it all as you journey back to the days before shopping malls and WalMart.