1

A reminiscence by Dugald Ladies Fashion Review commentator Edna Holland.
1986
Dugald, Manitoba

"We all know how helpful influential political friends can be. I had one who suddenly made things happen for us in 1977. My friend introduced me to the Hon. John Roberts, Minister of State in Charge of Museums. He seemed genuinely interested in our story and our problems and asked me to pout it all in a letter, which I did immediately that night. In 3 days I ahd a call from Ottawa to arrange a meeting, the first of several. Experts and officials descended on the Van Slyck home to inspect the collection and tell us what we had to do..."

(Edna Holland fonds. Commentaries Series. Volunteer Information Session, March 20, 1986)

Credits:
Edna Holland fonds
Costume Museum of Canada

2

The members of the Dugald Ladies Fashion Review were investigating options for the permanent display of the clothing in their collection and they began to seek advice and support from heritage groups, government agencies and political allies. The ladies were immediately advised to incorporate and this was done in April of 1977. The incorporated entity would henceforth be known as the Dugald Costume Collection Incorporated. This was the first step before a museum could be contemplated and was required to apply for funding from most granting agencies.

The Dugald Ladies Fashion Review did not cease to exist when the collection as incorporated and would continue to support the Dugald Costume Collection Incorporated and the museum project. At a meeting of the Dugald Ladies Fashion Review on March 19, 1977 the members put forward a motion that profit accumulated by the Fashion Review be used for display project "as long as that need exists". The motion passed with only one dissenting vote.

3

Page one from the Certificate of Incorporation of the Dugald Costume Collection.
20 April 1977
Dugald, Manitoba

Credits:
Costume Museum of Canada

4

The Dugald Costume Collection, Inc. was created as a self-governing society where membership and voting privileges are available to all interested contributors who donated over a specified amount.

5

First membership card for the Dugald Costume Collection Incorporated.
1977
Dugald, Manitoba

Credits:
Costume Museum of Canada

6

The number of memberships sold in those first months would indicate to the Board of the Dugald Costume Collection, Inc. the level of public interest before they sought patronage endorsements and donor funds. Winnifred Van Slyck was the first member.

7

Winnifred Van Slyck writing to the Hon. John Guay, Federal Minister of Cultural Affairs.
3 May 1977
Dugald, Manitoba

It seems appropriate and prudent that such a museum should be established in Dugald, where this project had its beginning. Through the many shows we have presented at National conventions, Dugald has become widely known as the home of this collection. Hence, we receive donations form far and near...Springfield itself is the oldest rural municipality in Manitoba, being incorporated in 1873. It would therefore be a suitable place to record our history and our heritage..."

Credits:
Costume Museum of Canada

8

Winnifred Van Slyck and the other members of the Dugald Ladies Fashion Review wanted to establish the museum where it had all started - in Dugald. Now known as the Dugald Costume Collection, they were also more convinced than ever that the collection should be housed in its own facility rather than a shared space and set about the task of raising the required funds with determination. A Building Committee was struck in August of 1977 which consisted of Winnifred Van Slyck, Edna Holland, Marion Beattie, Beth Cook, and Audrey Murray. Other members came on board as the campaign progressed. The first step was a public relations push to build support and in October of 1977, 2071 letters were mailed to residents of Springfield. By December, 222 memberships had been bought. By March of the following year, the number had reached 400.

9

Certified copy of a resolution of support for Costume Museum project by the RM of Springfield.
13 December 1977
Oakbank, Manitoba

Credits:
Costume Museum of Canada

10

Letter of support for Costume Museum project from the Dugald Women's Institute.
14 November 1977
Dugald, Manitoba

Credits:
Costume Museum of Canada

11

Letter of support for Costume Museum project from the Dugald Women's Institute, p.2.
14 November 1977
Dugald, Manitoba

Credits:
Costume Museum of Canada

12

Page from Dugald Costume Collection fundraising brochure.
1978
Dugald, Manitoba

Credits:
Costume Museum of Canada

13

Between the fall of 1977 and the spring of 1978, plans were put in place to mount a fundraising campaign to build a museum in Dugald. In addition to funds which they thought may be available from federal and provincial funding agencies, the Costume Collection set a fundraising goal of $150,000 towards construction of a museum building.

14

Winnifred Van Slyck at the first Costume Museum Garden Party.
1978
Dugald, Manitoba

Credits:
Costume Museum of Canada