A Civil War era fashion show will be held during the Lewis County Historical Society meeting on Monday, March 4, 7 pm, at the Strand Theatre, 100 East Main St., in Hohenwald, Tennessee.
Presented by the Confederate Belles of Tennessee, the fashions and manners of the Civil War years strongly reflected the Victorian era when modesty was the rule of the day. The fashionable silhouette of the 1861-1865 period focused on the tightly laced corseted bodice with the waistline resting at the natural waist, voluminous elaborately trimmed skirts worn over crinolines and hoop petticoats, long full sleeves with engageantes and high demure necklines. Lavishly decorated bonnets and hats complimented the ensemble. There was an infinite variety of designs and construction details, particularly in ladies apparel, in the 1860s.
The Civil War era fashion show will begin with “underpinnings”, which are the layers of proper undergarments worn by the Victorian lady. Models will be wearing ensembles complete with jewelry, gloves, fans, reticules, hats, bonnets, headdresses and parasols. The different dress styles to be shown include tea gowns, day dresses, work dresses, altered and retrimmed dresses, sheer and summer gown, Garibaldi influenced apparel, the Polonaise style gored dress, dinner gowns and wedding gowns. Men’s fashion will include military uniforms and civilian attires.
Everyone planning to attend this free event will be dazzled with an array of ball gowns and evening wear, including a replica of a gown worn by Varina Howell Davis during her husband’s Presidential years.
Mark your calendars and make plans to attend. The fashion show is a prelude to the events of April 19-21, when Civil War re-enactors will settle in Hohenwald on the Lewis County Courthouse lawn, located at 110 Park Ave. N. Hosted by Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 559 & Confederate Belles of Tennessee, the 19th Alabama civilian group encampment will take place on Friday, April 19. A day of living history can be enjoyed by all from 9 am until 3 pm. Local and area schools are planning a day of field trips to visit this remarkable event.
Armies of Tennessee will set up for events on Saturday and Sunday, April 20 & 21. On Saturday at 9 am, the public is invited to the Color Guard Presentation & Memorial Service. Another day of living history will occur 11 am until 4 pm, with a special event, Skirmish of Little Swan Creek, an Armies of Tennessee event, to be presented at 2 pm. A ball will take place at the community building located at Memorial Park at 7 pm. The public is invited, but must be dressed in period clothing in order to participate. On Sunday, the day begins at 11 am with an authentic church service. A third day of living history will take place until 4 pm. Skirmish of Little Swan Creek will once again be re-enacted at 2 pm.
For more information on these free events, please contact Hohenwald/Lewis County Chamber of Commerce at 931-796-4084 or go to www.hohenwaldlewischamber.com.
