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This storyline is a composite of two fashion shows put on in Pembroke, Ontario to showcase the wonderful period fashions held in the collection of the Champlain Trail Museum and Pioneer Village.
The first show was held on September 22, 1998 at Wesley United Church, Pembroke; the second was presented on April 20, 1999 at Calvin United Church, Pembroke.
While essentially the same show, several changes were made, some with new donations prompted by the first show, and some due to concerns about possible wear and tear on the garments.
The commentary in this storyline is based largely on the original commentary by Eileen Sexsmith.
Photographs of details of a number of the fashions have been added here to provide the viewer with a closer look at the beauty and intricacy of these garments.

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Opening Remarks

This collection is a treasure to behold. I want to tell you that this fashion show cannot be compared to the deluxe fashion shows of the present day because these Victorian gowns depict and describe a totally different picture. These gowns give us a glimpse into the lives of the early pioneers; so let us respect their ingenuity and artistic skills, which will be proven over and over again throughout the course of this show.
This collection was made possible by people wishing to donate these gowns to the Champlain Trail Museum. These gowns are a vital part of our history and a legacy for posterity.
These elegant gowns will be competently modeled by a group of very beautiful volunteers. They will breathe new life into this collection. These quiet, silent gowns have been taken from our collection which is stored at the Champlain Trail Museum. These gowns will be removed from their white dress bags to give them a second chance to come alive, to celebrate a whole night on the town. Then, after their outing, they will be taken home to the museum, to be put back into those white dress bags, to become silent and quiet again. But I can assure you they will be safe and sound.
Let us cherish this magnificent opportunity! Let this evening quickly capture your imagination, and rekindle your affection for those early pioneers who located here, in the Upper Ottawa Valley, in this place called Pembroke.

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Three piece gown.
1840
Wesley United Church, Pembroke, Ontario, Canada

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This Victorian Show will open with one of our beautiful models, who is wearing a memorable sensation of a dress which would have been worn about 1840. It gives a strong hint of nostalgia with a regal appearance, which brings to us that sweet yearning for years past. As you see, she looks absolutely superb in this three-piece slate blue taffeta gown. It is made up of three parts, slate blue taffeta with special green taffeta for effect. This is a very special gown. Here is the neat little form- fitting jacket and long skirt with two colours. It has a drop-over skirt with an intricate little bustle. The designer knew exactly what he was doing when he created the two tones. Note the short jacket with the high collar and puffy sleeves which are drawn in at a number of places to be held with taffeta ribbon. The taffeta skirt is longer at the back and, with the taffeta bustle, adds much to the appearance. This unique dress has a definite flare of extravagance. It inspires charms of endless fascination. This elegant gown would have been worn at special occasions, at a Christmas party, or a celebration for a very prominent person.

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Two piece wedding dress.
1850
Calvin United Church, Pembroke, Ontario, Canada

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This is a stunning wedding dress of black net over heavy bone-coloured fabric is thought to be from the mid-1800s. The intricate, delicate black net with beautiful appliqué in rich black velvet covers the entire jacket and long skirt.
The short waist-length jacket with body rods in the bodice has hook-and-eye closures. The leg-o-mutton sleeves still consist of the black net and black velvet appliqué. Many tiny jet beads adorn special needlework throughout the fabric.
No doubt the bride would be sensational in such a fabulous gown, wouldn't you agree?

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The following four photographs are details of the mid-1800s wedding dress seen in previous photo.

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Jacket.
1850
Champlain Trail Museum and Pioneer Village, Pembroke, Ontario, Canada

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Wedding dress detail.
1850
Champlain Trail Museum and Pioneer Village, Pembroke, Ontario, Canada

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Applique detail.
1850
Champlain Trail Museum and Pioneer Village, Pembroke, Ontario, Canada

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Detail of wedding dress.
1850
Champlain Trail Museum and Pioneer Village, Pembroke, Ontario, Canada

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There are two views of the next fashion - one each at the two fashion shows.

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Two piece gown.
1898
Wesley United Church, Pembroke, Ontario, Canada

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Our next very lovely model is wearing an outstanding, two- piece, corded, taffeta gown of distinct designs. This was worn about 1898. The black lace jacket with high neckline consists of a white lace insert which falls over purple lace. This extraordinary reticella lace is a form of needle point with geometric designs connected by picket bars. It was very intricate work. The decorative beads and sequins are of silver, and are hand sewn at the neck line. The long sleeves have cut lace at the cuffs with braid trim. Oh yes, much thought has been put into the design of the jacket. Please note the skirt of corded taffeta, as it has two small flounces with braid trim. This extravagant two piece black-corded taffeta gown is quite breath-taking, as it captures one's attention immediately. It is quite beautiful and would be worn to an important reception with, no doubt, many people in attendance.