Get a flashback of 1950s social circles with the Grand Rapids Public Museum's newest exhibit , All Dressed Up - 1950s Style. Grand Rapids native Doris Cole donated to the Museum's collection 18 mid-century party gowns, along with photos, invitations, yearbooks and mementos from the era. The collection includes stylish "New Look" inspired dresses with pinched waists and full skirts that were worn to events at East Grand Rapids High School, Ottawa Hills High School, the University of Michigan and Radcliffe College. The excellent condition of the garments some 60 years later is testimony to the value Doris and her mother, Helen Cole, placed on maintaining the gowns and preserving the memories of the happy celebrations to which they were worn. They also evoke fond memories of shopping trips to former local retail establishments like Jacobson's, Steketee's, Wurzburg's and Herpolsheimer's. The dresses will be on display in the Museum's 2nd floor Bradford gallery.
Through February 29, 2012
Times:
Monday through Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Sundays Noon to 5:00 PM Tuesdays 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Location:
Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Phone:
616-456-3977
Admission:
Adults $8.00, Seniors $7.00, Children (3-17) $3.00, Under 2 Free
