Typically, the only people donning threads from the 1860s in the Athens County Historical Society & Museum are two mannequins sitting by the window.
But that changed Saturday night as Civil War enthusiasts came out in spades in celebration of the second annual Civil War Ball at the Athens Community Center, which was filled with volunteers from the museum and other guests attired in traditional 1860s garb.
One of the largest elements to consider while preparing for the ball is the selection of special apparel. Laura Farrell, the assistant manager of the historical society, helped plan the event and created most of her getup, including a corset, top and dress. She pieced it together in about a week.
“I spent a ridiculous amount of time sewing it,” Farrell said. “It’s been so much fun, and it’s just an excuse to find something ridiculous to wear.”
Though she declined to comment on the overall cost of the outfit, she said that she bought three $20 yards of fabric to create dress sleeves and five $9 yards of fabric to create the dress skirt and bodice.
“I’m really grateful for everybody who has helped out and people who have gotten involved and come out dressed up and just come out to see the fun,” Farrell said.
The ball also served as a fundraiser, though Farrell said the funds received were not the main focus for the event. The money was raised with the help of a silent auction, drinks and a gift shop. The amount earned at the event has not been determined. Farrell estimated that between 100-150 people bought tickets for the event, which ranged from $20 to $25.
“If we can raise a few thousand bucks here, a few thousand bucks there, that’s good, “ Farrell said. “It gets our name out there.”
Amanda Browning, a freshman studying business and a volunteer at the ball, said she also spent a lot of time preparing for the ball. Each of the event’s volunteers spent about two hours dressing and sculpting their hair, with the intention to make their looks as authentic as possible.
“There was a lot of hairspray,” Browning said. “We had to fix our parts, because you can’t have bangs, and women didn’t part their hair on the sides.”
Pat Papai, a member of the dance troupe that performed, Times Past Vintage Dancers, was able to have her dress made for her.
“It probably took around one month to make with fittings and everything,” she said.
Mike Papai, another member of Times Past Vintage Dancers and Pat’s husband, put together his costume with pieces found from a variety of locations.
“My vest came from Tombstone, Arizona,” he said.
Jessica Cyders, the museum curator who also wore special clothing for the occasion, said she was worried that the volunteers from the museum would be the only ones with authentic outfits. After the event began, though, she discovered that her worries were for naught.
“I think it looks wonderful,” Cyders said. “I’m really excited to see the number of people here in costume.”
Cyders, similarly to Ferrell, made her own clothing. She bought 14 yards of fabric for its creation and spent four months piecing it together.
“This is the second dress I’ve ever tried making, and it went a lot smoother than the first one,” Cyders said.
The event’s attendees came from throughout Ohio, including Columbus, Jackson and Meigs County.
As some of the few attendees who left the olden fashions at home after failed attempts to find authentic ware, Jeff and Stacia Carr, residents of Athens, heard about the ball through the bassist in the band scheduled to play.
“I’m fascinated about the way of life pre-electricity,” Stacia Carr said. “I romanticize it.”
They plan on attending the ball again next year and hope to be in costume, Jeff Carr said.
“This is a very historic area, so I think it’s great to have something like this,” he said.
sm559111@ohiou.edu
