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Program about early clothing, life coming to Poland
POLAND
For anyone who strolls or drives through Poland, the town’s close connection to its history is nearly impossible to miss.
Ohio Historical Markers are placed at spots of significance, such as the Village Green and areas where President William McKinley spent time as a child.
There are scores of homes built more than a century ago, and many other buildings are designed to mirror those historical styles.
In October, the Poland Historical Society will take it one step further: It will bring to life the era more than 200 years ago in which the community was founded. The group will host “Dressed for the Day,” a program focused on lifestyle and dress of the early 19th century.
“It’s going to be fine-tuned to Poland in the early 1800s and the Connecticut Western Reserve,” said Ginny Meloy, one of several PHS members who gathered at The Village Pantry – an old-fashioned store on Main Street in the village that’s stocked with spices, candy and other specialty products – to display an outfit that fits with the “Dressed for the Day” theme.
“It’s really about the connection between the clothing and the lifestyle. And the nice thing is ... they’ll be weaving in tidbits about Poland,” Meloy said.
The event will be led by Mary K. Inman and Louise F. Pence, experts on clothing and everyday life in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The pair are co-authors of two illustrated paper-doll history books.
Their program will inform attendees about period clothing, its historical context and the daily lives of early settlers. It also will feature demonstrations with authentic reproductions of garments from that era. An afternoon tea event will follow.
“I think we all love living in Poland, and I think we are all interested in the preservation and heritage of our village,” said Joan Smith, historical society member.
“It’s informative, educational and a lot of fun,” added member Joanne Eiselstein, proprietor of The Village Pantry.
The event runs from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 3 at Poland Presbyterian Church at 2 Poland Manor. The cost is $20 per person. Reservations will be accepted through Sept. 26.
For information, call 330-536-6877.