Blooming Wishes Floral and Gift Gallery, along with The Merrill Historical Society, present
“The Way We Wore.” This event is a fundraiser for the Historical Society that brings back the days gone by through vintage pre-1980’s hats, shoes and handbags, while creating a new exhibit for the Historical Society appropriately named “The Way We Wore.”
Now is the time to show off these pieces of apparel that are carefully tucked away in your closets, attics, or dresser drawers. Perhaps it’s your grandma’s shoes that she wore at her wedding, the hat your mom wore to church every Sunday, or that very special brocade handbag you carried everywhere. They all bring back memories of people and times that are a part of your personal heritage. If you don’t have any of these items tucked away, find that one special pre-1980’s hat at a sale, those must-have shoes at an auction, or handbag at a thrift store.
Individuals, organizations, and social groups are invited to enter and enjoy a bit of friendly competition, share memories, and at the same time help out the Merrill Historical Society. The Historical Society is in the process of developing new exhibits and proceeds from this fundraiser will be used to purchase forms used in displaying women’s apparel in these exhibits.
The entry fee is $5 for each item. Entries may be dropped off at Blooming Wishes, 820 E. First St., or at The Merrill Historical Society, 100 E. Third St. Entry deadline is Friday, Aug. 9. With each entry you will receive one “no charge” admission into the preview reception held at Blooming Wishes and a token for $5 in votes. Voting begins Aug. 14 at 4:30 p.m. and continues thru Aug. 17 at 3 p.m. During this time, votes will be counted in $1 increments to select the “best” example in each of the categories. Ribbons will be awarded for the top three winners in each category. All entries will be eligible to be displayed at the Historical Society museum following the competition, along with a photo of each entrant and an explanation of why the item is so meaningful to you.
Your hats, shoes, and handbags will be on display at Blooming Wishes and will be unveiled at the Preview Reception on Aug. 14 from 4:30-7 p.m. Tickets for this reception are $5 in advance or $10 at the door.
For more information, contact either Blooming Wishes at 715-536-0911 or The Merrill Historical Society at 715-536-5652.