14

Eileen Sexsmith.
20 April 1999
Calvin United Church, Pembroke, Ontario, Canada

15

Both fashion shows were ably presided over by commentator and Master of Ceremonies, Eileen Sexsmith.
She also wrote the commentary for the shows.
Her family has a long history in the Upper Ottawa Valley, with her mother being one of the founding members of the Ottawa Valley Historical Society in 1955.
Eileen has also been instrumental in preserving the memory of the famous pointer boat, an important part of the lumbering history of the Ottawa Valley, and another part of her family's heritage.

16

The fashion show models.
22 September 1998
Wesley United Church, Pembroke, Ontario, Canada

17

A group of young women volunteered their time to model these fashions. The time that they dedicated to this task was monumental, between fittings, practices, etc. Here we see them posing all together on the lovely curving staircase at Wesley United Church.

18

The male escorts.
22 September 1998
Wesley United Church, Pembroke, Ontario, Canada

19

"I would like to make reference to the gentlemen who have so willingly offered to help in all respects to make this evening a success. You will have noticed the era of the jackets and the suits, and the dignity it draws to the wearer. Oh yes! These gentlemen have been dedicated volunteers in the Ottawa Valley Historical Society and the museum work for years. Well, the presence of these handsome gentlemen give much meaning to our Victorian Fashion Show, and we highly commend them for this fine contribution." - Eileen Sexsmith

They are, from the top of the stairs:
Bob Pilot, Larry Fisher, Reg Biggs, Hugh Dundas, Gordon Prange, Bob Carmichael, and Steve Sipocz.

Mention should also be made that Frances Lemke and Hugh Dundas greeted people at the door, dressed in period costume.

20

Helen Carmichael.
22 September 1998
Wesley United Church, Pembroke, Ontario, Canada

21

Helen Carmichael, seen here at the piano, provided continuous music throughout the shows. During intermission, she also accompanied Shirley Jones in a medley of songs entitled "A Musical Trip Down Memory Lane". Songs included "Roamin' in the Gloamin'", "Button Up Your Overcoat", "Til the Lights of London shine Again", and "Que Sera Sera".

22

Two models perform The Charleston dance.
1927
Wesley United Church, Pembroke, Ontario, Canada

23

Not only did these young women volunteer as models for the fashion shows, they also performed an inspired version of The Charleston to a medley of recorded song, including "Ain't She Sweet?", and "Baby Face".

24

The audience.
22 September 1998
Wesley United Church, Pembroke, Ontario, Canada

25

Attendance at both fashion shows was overwhelming. In fact, the original intention was to present just one show. However, the great demand from the public persuaded the committee to mount another performance seven months later.

26

The grand finale.
22 September 1998
Wesley United Church, Pembroke, Ontario, Canada

27

At the conclusion of these shows, the models formed a parade. Commentator Eileen Sexsmith invited the audience to come forward to talk to the models, admire and "absorb the grandeur of these gowns", or to take pictures.
The models were also presented with flowers by Elizabeth Gilmer and Donna Robinson, committee Chair and Vice-chair.