Historical Society Event Weds Fundraiser with Fashion

Imagine getting married in a maroon gown or even a black one.

Imagine having a book instead of a bouquet.

The evolution of wedding traditions will be the heart of the Lansdale Historical Society's second annual Spring Tea May 19 at called "An Affair to Remember."

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and tickets are $25 for society members and $28 for non-members. Tickets will not be available at the door.

In addition to a rolling slideshow of notable residents' wedding pictures, the event will have fashions from different eras modeled by members.

There are gowns from the 1880s that are maroon, chocolate and even black.

"It's about how wedding traditions changed down through the ages," said Spring Tea committee chairwoman Marti Drumheller. "Then, they had big, fancy headdresses, and now they have small tiaras with veils. Then, they had huge bouquets or prayer books and now they have small bouquets."

Drumheller said the society has dresses from every decade from the 1930s to the present day. The Mennonite Heritage Center in Franconia is providing a dress from the 1880s that will be display only.

The dress from the 1930s was provided by Nancy Kulp of Lansdale. Chantilly Floral's Margie Booz is provding the dress from the 1940s.

Shirley Crawford of Hilltown is providing a dress from the 1950s and former Lansdale councilwoman Anne Scheuring has the 1960s dress.

JoAnn Kerr, owner of R&S Keystone Diner, will offer the 1970s dress, and the 1980s dress is coming from a relative of Drumheller's from New Hampshire. Jody Ruth of Souderton is bringing the 1990s dress, and Colleen Peterson of Harleysville Bridal is providing the dress for the 2000s.

Peterson will also emcee the fashion show.

Last year, the society held its first tea with a "Fabulous Flapper" theme.

"We wanted something different," Drumheller said. "I went to a tea in Monroe County and they brought all wedding dresses. When we started, we didn't have any dresses; we had cake toppers and books. The community allowed us to use dresses and that's how it turned into a fashion show."

The fundraiser is the brainchild of some of the ladies who sit on the society board and who are members of the society.

In addition to the ticket sales, money will be raised through raffles of eight themed baskets. The baskets feature items like teas, spices, spa stuff, wines, wedding journals, glasses, candles, baking items and even a Sunday brunch for two to William Penn Inn in Lower Gwynedd.

Chantilly Floral is also providing a basket with a purse, Vera Bradley watch, gloves and a scarf.

Drumheller said about 60 tickets have been sold so far. Tickets can be purchased at the research center on Jenkins Avenue or at Chantilly Floral Boutique.

The event is in Elm Terrace's Dorothy Stiteler Dining Room.

"The food was so good last year, that’s why went back there," said Drumheller.