Victorian Fashion Workshop at Dead Horse Ranch State Park --by Sylvia Somerville
Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood, Arizona, is well known for its fish-stocked lagoons, multi-use trails, lush Verde River Greenway, full-facility campground and popular annual events, such as the Verde Valley Birding & Nature Festival in April and Verde River Days in September.
Tucked in the back of this glorious recreational oasis is a lesser known amenity—a little house that was once the inspirational studio of well-known artists such as John Farnsworthy and Irv and Bonnie Burkee. Today it is a venue for workshops, talks and lectures.
On a balmy day in January 2009, the studio was the site of a Ladies Victorian Fashion Show.Although the presentation was designed to enhance the art of living history reenactments by volunteers in Arizona state parks, it was open to the public. The focus was on how to realistically recreate the period garb of the 1870s to 1890s—from undergarments and dresses to accessories such as cloaks, gloves, hats and jewelry. Presenters broke down the garments piece by piece and discussed inexpensive ways to create an authentic look. They even modeled the correct way to wear the clothes.
Many original pieces and true-to-period reproductions were brought in as examples, including a lovely orange and green dress that was worn by Katherine McGreggor (Mrs. Oleson) on the television series Little House on the Prairie. “Period clothing brings a heartbeat to historic reenactments,” said Terri Leverton, one of the presenters.
Other period-clothing programs are on the drawing board for 2009.They include an Edwardian fashion show, a presentation on mourning attire and a hands-on pattern-making workshop.
For more information, contact Barbie Hart at 928-282-2202 or email her.
Fun Facts about Victorian Clothing
A Victorian ball gown was called a “confection,” and it was elaborately crafted with yards of material, lace, pearls, ribbons and other decorations.
The 1870s saw the invention of alkaline dyes, which ushered in vibrant-colored fabrics.Unfortunately, some of these, such as an electric blue cloth, were made with toxic metals.
The corset was more than a waist-enhancing garment.It served to balance the weighty bustles of the period, on which it is said you could balance a teacup and saucer.
Victorian women carried a chatelaine, a clasp or chain worn at the waist. This was a kind of inside-out purse for carrying a watch, keys and fan.
