My Activities in Vintage Clothing

Bennington Memorial Reunion by the Son's of the American Revolution 

Aubrey Rose Tea Room 

Old Town San Diego

The Del Mar Antique Fair, coming soon.

Back to the Rabbit Hole.

July 21, 2007 

To The Bennington Dead

Via the yahoo group online, Mari, a fellow costumer invited me to this event that was sponsored by The Sons of the American Revolution.  I didn't know what to expect but I knew I would have fun. She said to come in 1905 mourning clothes.  I learned a bit about San Diego History.  In short, the Navy's worst peacetime  disaster in 1905 when a boiler exploded on the USS Bennington in SD Bay. Sixty-five members of the crew perished.  Forty-seven of those who were buried in a mass grave at Rosecrans National Cemetery in Point Loma.  The remainder were buried in other locations by their families.   This is the Monument to the left here with me dressed in 1905 Edwardian Mourning Widows Weeds and a member of S.A.R.  

My thanks to Kevin  for taking this shot of me here on the right, it's composed well.

Arnold, the president of the Vermont chapter of the SAR came to give an eloquent speech of patriotism. Serving as a reminder of  our connection to each other.  We listened to the history of the Battle of Bennington of 1777.  His ancestor from Vermont had a Bennington connection. Here are two quotes I loved from his speech.

"what our great country stands for—honor, memory, sacrifice, strength, and most importantly a sense of connectedness as citizens, unified and resolute in our love for America—how are we all connected?—are you a compatriot of the Sons of the American Revolution, a member of the armed forces, a descendant of a family member who lost a loved one in the Bennington tragedy, a lover of patriotism, or perhaps all of the above"

"So—as I observe this memorial to the gunboat of the USS Bennington—I recognize that we will are all part of history.  Today’s ceremonies carry on the tradition of love that exists in our nation—a love of country, a respect for the past, and a resolute commitment to remember all those who have served our great nation of the United States of America, whether it be in 1777, 1905, or 2007 or anytime in between or beyond.  Thank You"

Tapps were played and they always made me emotional, then bag pipes played that bought on  the tears . As  I cried... 1777 style gun salute were  fired....smoke and all. I didn't expect to be so moved, it took everything in me to keep from sobbing......

This is Margaret giving her speech in front of Fox 6 News.

I was very impressed at the turn out, not only the descendants of the Bennington Dead were there but the U.S. Navy at attention the whole time! and Fox News! who knew!

SAR invited the costumers to join them for lunch in San Diego Old Town District. There's Arnold and Mari again upfront. 

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After lunch Mari and I became acquainted with a stroll through old town's many  tea rooms. 

Last word to the history buffs, if you enjoyed this ..... please don't go until you see my "Military Tribute" the before and after photos and you may find the "History of Photography" and "Photo Dating" can be your cup of tea too.

Hey costumers.....in the "Genealogy Corner" under "Photo Dating" there is a treasure-trove of photographs to help you create your next outfit......Vintage Victorian albums too.

You will find:

Batten Lace Parasols,

Lace Gloves, hand fans,

Jewelry, Hat Pins, all kinds of Bonnets, feathers and shawls, just to name a few of my favorites.

This dress is 1860s.

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Then this court room to the County of San Diego.  The house is a good place for costumers to have their picture taken.  You may capture a ghostly image in them! They say is the most haunted house in the US. See their collection of photographs with ghostly images in them. I enjoyed seeing their personal things of that era for my photo dating interest.

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