Women's Club Learns About Civil War Dress

Photo submitted Kayla Reese, center, models a widow’s dress from the Civil War era during a Noel Woman’s Club meeting. Also pictured, left, Judy Rickett and Linda Jefferson.
Photo submitted Kayla Reese, center, models a widow’s dress from the Civil War era during a Noel Woman’s Club meeting. Also pictured, left, Judy Rickett and Linda Jefferson.

The May meeting of the Noel Woman's Club was called to order by President Dot Harner. After the Pledge of Allegiance and the Lord's Prayer, roll was called with 16 members and two visitors present. Minutes were read by Secretary Debbie. Bonnie gave the treasurer's report.

The spring bake sale was rescheduled for Saturday, May 13, in front of the new Harps. Volunteers were scheduled to work.

A report was given by Hannah thanking those that participated with the Christmas gift cart at the Noel Primary School last winter. She said it was very well received at the school by the children and staff.

Birthdays this month are Linda and Gail.

The cemetery sign-up sheet was passed around. Those available to sit at the Noel Cemetery and take donations for Memorial Day weekend signed up. A Woman's Club member (and our helpers) has for many years been the person you see at the cemetery taking donations for the upkeep of the cemetery. The money is turned over to the cemetery board for mowing and upkeep. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and donate to this worthy project.

Linda gave a report on the senior awards banquet that she had just returned from. She presented the two Woman's Club scholarships to Samantha Gomaz and Bethany Leemasters.

The program was a presentation by Judy Rickett, assisted by her sister Linda Jefferson, on the dress of a lady in the Civil War era. She brought the layers of clothes worn by the ladies of that time and Linda modeled them. It really makes you thankful for the more-modern dress we have today. The work involved in the laundry process back then took all day, from heating the water over an open fire to using a wash board. Modern conveniences are a blessing. Judy and Linda then dressed member Kayla Reese in a widow's dress. Widows were required to wear the black outfits for six months after the death of their loved one. Thank you both for the fun evening.

Hostesses for the evening were Lisa and Kayla Reese, who provided delicious refreshments. Members had a great time visiting and enjoying refreshments.

The next meeting, on June 13, is the club's annual potluck dinner.

"We love to have new members, so if you are interested, please call Dot at 475-5043 or Melissa at 475-3599," a club member said.

General News on 05/25/2017