Vigo County Historical Society

Display features ‘40s fashions

The collection of dresses, hats, purses and fur pie e on display in the 1940s display is a part of the museum’s clothing collection.

It is a varied assortment, some of which the history of the garment is known.

A navy blue dress with beige polka dots was worn by Helen Kasper, the mother of Barbara Carney, to her brother-in-law’s wedding. The wedding was in St. Louis in approximately 1945.

The dress is very detailed. The bottom layer of the dress is a silk taffeta and it is overlaid with a soft net substance. It has a belted waist with a peplin below the belt. Bone buttons and a lily-of-the-valley corsage adorn the front of the dress.

A black eyelet dress is part of the collection. It is unusual because very opening in the eyelet is lined with black velvet. The lining of the dress is red taffeta and the red shows through the black eyelet.

A beige wedding suit belonging to Jean Templeton is made of gabardine. It is calf length.

A beautiful red fox scarf is also in the collection as well as a pheasant feather cloche, which were worn by Dorothy Uhri.

The suit has a lapel pin and may be a proud symbol worn by a mother whose son was in the service.

An interesting way to spend an afternoon is to admire these clothes personally. One can imagine the feeling of elegance which must have enveloped the woman who slipped into the soft ivory crepe dress.

The neckline is decorated with a cording of the crepe. The jacket has short cuffed sleeves. If you too would like to imagine what being a woman during the 1940s was like, try to gain such insight by visiting the museum. Do not miss this display, these 50-year-old clothes have a voice. Come and admire!