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Ventfort Hall Lecture: “Ladies’ Fans of the Civil War Era”11:48AM / Tuesday, July 29, 2008
LENOX - A frequent lecturer on her personal collection of over 300 ladies’ hand fans, Julie Agar will showcase and demonstrate examples at Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum on Wednesday, August 27, at 4 p.m. Her talk is titled “Ladies’ Fans of the Civil War Era,” focusing her attention on the fans and the secret language of fans of that time, as well as the Post-Civil War period. A Victorian Tea will accompany the lecture.
Some fans reflect their place or time. One example folds out to reveal a 1906 calendar and another is a commemorative fan from the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876. In the nineteenth century ladies hand fans were used at formal gatherings at which gentlemen were present. On such occasions the language of hand fans included drawing a fan across the cheek meaning “I love you.” Covering the left ear with an open fan signaled “Do not betray our secret.” A shut fan resting near the right eye meant “When may I see you?”
Currently a member of the board of directors for The Twentieth Century Club in Pittsburgh, she is director of special events for the club. As such, she will direct “A Gilded Age Celebration” in November that will include several 29-inch manikins from “Les Petites Dames de Mode” (“The Little Ladies of Fashion”) dressed in late 19th century clothes designed by John Burbidge, retired senior designer of Priscilla of Boston. The collection of 60 manikins has been on view at Ventfort Hall since last spring.
Tickets for the lecture and tea are $15 per person for nonmembers and $12 for members. For reservations call Ventfort Hall at 413-637-3206. The historical mansion is located at 104 Walker Street in Lenox. |
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