Volume
No. 2 Issue No. 2 Summer 2002
by Valerie Gugala
On
a hot July evening, at 6:00 p.m., several members of the ALP, along
with about 60 others, gathered at the Lincoln Tomb to celebrate the
120th anniversary of Mary Lincoln’s death. Donna McCreary spoke
about Mary’s compassion for her ‘soldier boys’ and the work that
Mary contributed to their health and well-being in the military
hospitals. A description of Mary’s last day on earth, and her grand
funeral celebration was also given. Afterward, a large wreath was
placed in front of Mary’s crypt. A few comments were made about the
Lincoln Tomb and the placement of the family members who are buried
there. After the memorial service, everyone stayed at the Tomb for
the 114th Infantry Regiment Retreat Ceremony. The flag was lowered,
as is the custom every Tuesday evening during the summer, and
presented to a member of the audience.
Following
these activates, everyone ventured to the Museum of Funeral Customs
which is located just outside Oakridge Cemetery’s gates. Donna
Daniels presented a program about Victorian mourning customs and
attire. This was complimented by the museum’s exhibit of mourning
clothing and accessories. Donna Danniels, Donna McCreary, and
Valerie Gugala were attired in dresses depicting different stages of
Victorian mourning.
At
this
time, it has not been determined when the next memorial service will
be held. Originally, it was planned that this would be bi-annual
event. However, that has changed, as plans are already being made
for the 125th anniversary memorial service to be held on July 16,
2007. In the meantime, another should be held either in 2004 or
2005.
Thank You
Many
thanks to Lois Schnizlein for bringing her basket of goodies. Not
only did she provide us with a wonderful evening of entertainment,
she ensured the future of the MTL Committee. Lois generously
donated the money earned from the auction of her beautiful things to
the ALP to establish a budget for the MTL Committee. This will
enable the continuation of Mary’s Velvet Rose and events at
future conventions. Lois, thank you for your kindness and your
generosity. Hopefully, you will visit us again at another
convention to see the benefits of the good seeds you have planted.
Articles Needed
Read
any good books or articles about Mary Lincoln lately? Seen a movie,
video, or program that you wish to share? Found a great 19th
century fashion book? Know a great place to find period
accessories? If so, write about them and your article will be
published in an upcoming issue of this newsletter. Sharing
information helps all of us learn more about this era of history and
the Lincoln family. Each member of this organization has a special
gift and talent. When we share our gifts, everyone becomes
blessed. I hope many of you write about your experiences and areas
of expertise to help keep the blessings flowing and the sisterhood
growing.
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Welcome New Member
Please
add our new member’s name and address to your ALP directory.
Claudette Walker
Claudette’s Theatre on Wheels, 5108 Main Street, Kansas City, MO
64112
Phone: 816-756-1988
Claudette travels throughout the
world portraying women of history. Her list of characters
encompasses a time line from Cleopatra to Bess Truman. She
introduces her audiences to Amelia Earhart, Alice Roosevelt, Minnie
Pearl, Mrs. Santa Claus, and the Unsinkable Molly Brown - just to
name a few. Most recently, she took her presentation as Mary
Lincoln to Paris, France. Welcome back home, Claudette, and
welcome to the ALP.
Convention 2002
Tidbits:
Congratulations
To
Bonnie Priebe for earning the
Outstanding Mary Todd Lincoln Award for 2001.
To
Bonnie Priebe for her contributions to the programs she and Fred
perform and for their earning the Glen Schnizlein Memorial Award.
To
Pat Thomas for her contributions to
the program she and Dan Bassuk perform, and for their earning the
Lincoln Team Award (which will be renamed the Gordon Vincent
Memorial Award.)
MTL’S
Unmentionables
The interest in
viewing Mary Lincoln’s under things packed the reading room of the
Lincoln Museum. There were several questions about the the garments
- including their age. One of the museum’s archivist has since
researched these items. Historical clothing books were reviewed,
historical fashion experts and pattern makers were consulted.
It is
believed the garment in question is a chemi-knickers. This was worn
over the corset, helping to reduce the number of undergarments. A
button and loop was at the lowest hem, giving the garment a ‘divided
skirt fashion.’ The date this type of garment was first introduced
was 1917. The other garment is a pair of drawers, or panties. They
became as short as the pair at the museum about 1918. It is
believed that the garments in question belonged to one of the women
in the Lincoln family. The question is which one? Because of their
size and date of construction, they could have belonged to Mary
Harlan Lincoln, the wife of Robert Todd Lincoln. They could have
belonged to Robert’s daughter, Mary Lincoln Isham. We may never
know exactly who did wear them., but because of their style, it is
certain they did not belong to Mary
Wanted:
Singers
- women’s voices. It has been suggested that a singing group be
established for the women of the ALP. If you enjoy singing and wish
to lend your voice in song, please contact Shirley Long for more
information.
New Book
A new book will be
arriving in bookstores in May. Loving Mr. Lincoln, the Private
Diaries of Mary Todd Lincoln was written by Kay duPont from
Atlanta, Georgia. She has spent the past 30 years writing this
historical fiction. She is an author and a Mary Lincoln presenter.
Editor of Mary's Velvet Rose
In Sisterhood,
Donna McCreary
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