Fund provides period clothing
The Bradford House Historical Association was able to supplement its existing wardrobe with new eighteenth-century reproduction clothing and accessories thanks to a $2,000 grant from the Washington County Community Foundation’s McBride-McMaster Fund. One of the purposes of the fund, created by Dr. Gilbert McMaster and Margaret McBride-McMaster, is to preserve and promote the history of Washington County.
Eighteenth-century clothing is the cornerstone of many events and activities surrounding the Bradford House Museum.
During the annual Whiskey Rebellion Festival, which ends today, the Bradford House loaned its wardrobe to actors portraying historical figures, such as David Bradford and Alexander Hamilton. The garments are also used by other local historical sites like Woodville Plantation, LeMoyne House and the Mingo Creek Distillery for events.
Since these items cannot be bought “off the rack,” Debbi Lambert of Globe Thistle Clothier in Chillicothe, Ohio, and Jan Marietta and Lorry McMahon at Opening Night Costumes in Washington helped to create the custom garments.
Bradford House docent David Budinger wears reproduction clothing.
Some items were made with specific individuals in mind, like the Town Crier and David Bradford, while other pieces – shirts, chemises and stockings, petticoats, frock coats, and caps – were needed to help complete outfits. The designs, including the choice of fabric fiber, weave, color, and pattern, was dictated by what is historically accurate.
“Washington, at that time, was the frontier, and people wore a variety of clothing types. So, we have attire for gentlemen and ladies, farmers, hunters, housewives, and servants. Now that the Bradford House has expanded its hours and the Whiskey Rebellion Festival is getting bigger every year, we needed clothing that will fit a variety of volunteers and re-enactors who dress in period attire,” said Paula Anderson, Bradford House Historical Association board member and museum docent.
“Although he spent his career in medicine, Dr. McMaster was a great history enthusiast who would surely take pride in knowing his fund is helping so many people to experience our community’s past,” said Betsie Trew, WCCF president and CEO. “During each grant cycle, the WCCF must carefully consider how each fund’s distribution, no matter the dollar amount, can make the greatest impact on a charity and those it serves.”
For more information, visit www.wccf.net.