Memory and Dress

So remember that t-shirt you saved, because when you were in 7^th grade that boy you thought was cute said he liked the color of it?  Or the monkey pajamas your now teenage son wore as an infant, that you have tucked away in a drawer?  And just about every woman still has her wedding dress . . . . even if she didn’t keep the husband. We all do it.  We all save articles of clothing that, for one reason or another, even if others might consider it a silly reason, made it important to us.  Like a textile time capsule.  I know I did it….Check out my son in the Christening dress I had made out of my wedding dress!

But don’t feel silly.  Think about it – how many museums have period clothing on display? That’s because clothing is  a wonderful window into people’s lives, and into any time period.  We can learn so much about others, and remember so much about ourselves, by looking at what was worn during specific times and events.  Clothing is an intricate part of our society and our lives.

On Sunday, April 6^th, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM, the Cranford Historical Society will present “Memory and Dress” with Gail Alterman,  Costume Curator, at the Crane-Phillips House Museum, 124 North Union Avenue, Cranford .  Gail will talk about how articles of clothing and accessories tell stories, convey memories, and offer a window into people’s lives. Some people save an article of clothing because it was something special or was a particular favorite. Maybe an item was worn for a special occasion, or is the result of a specific event.  Even men save articles of clothing – most veterans save their uniforms. Think of what you have saved and why you saved it.  Perhaps it’s something of yours, like a prom dress from the prom of 40 years ago, or a special pair of shoes you bought at a local town store that may or may not still exist, before the era of “the mall.”  Or perhaps you have something that belonged to a relative.   Maybe someone’s uniform from the military, or from a local police department.  Open up your closets, and see what special something you can find to share.   Bring articles of clothing that have special personal meaning, bring your memories of times past, and share your story.

Admission is free, but reservations are required. To reserve your seat, please call the Historical Society’s office at 908-276-0082 or email at cranfordhistoricalsociety@verizon.net. You can learn more by visiting the Cranford Historical Society’s website.