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"Tying the Knot"

May 16 - Sept 8, 2002

View a stunning collection of historic & modern wedding quilts, photos & gowns from Wilmot residents, set against the 1877 Victorian backdrop of this National Historic Site.

Quilts were often made to commemorate an event such as an anniversary, birth, major move or a wedding. These types of quilts were historically common in Waterloo County and are still being made today. As a result, they have become a cherished tradition for many families.

Quilts originated in southern Europe more than 700 years ago. Evidently, the oldest 'living' examples of quilting of any type are Sicilian quilts circa 1392. They were wedding gifts elaborately covered with scenes from the legend of Tristan. The quilts were made of a double layer of heavy, pieced linen and sewn with linen thread. Designs were raised with tiny pieces of cotton padding inserted through the back of the quilt.

Common themes found on wedding quilts tell their own stories. While there are no singly important symbols, they often depended on region and specific religion. Common symbols included the heart, which is used for love. Roses are symbols of love, purity, and happiness. The pineapple is used for hospitality, and the pomegranate for fruitfulness. Frequently found throughout several of the quilts on display throughout the museum today is the wedding ring - this theme seems popular in this area.

This virtual exhibition displays 140 years of brides, photos and their wedding quilts. Some quilts have stories behind them, and some speak for themselves, but all quilts deserve an audience and a voice.

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Wedding gown worn by Marilyn Sararus at her wedding in 1966.
July, 1966
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
From the collection of Marilyn Sararus.

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Gown worn by Marilyn Sararus at her wedding in 1966.

...the bride wore a formal wedding gown of white crepe featuring an empire waistline and falling into a slight train at the back. The lace bodice of pearl centred daisies had elbow length sleeves. In keeping with the tradition of wearing something old, the bride wore the white strap slippers which her grandmother, Mrs A.E. Bean had worn on her wedding day 58 years ago.

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Wedding gown worn by Marilyn Sararus at her wedding in 1966.
July, 1966
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
From the collection of Marilyn Sararus.

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Wedding gown worn by Eva Hallman Bean for her wedding in 1908.
June, 1908
TEXT ATTACHMENT


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Gown worn by Eva Hallman Bean for her wedding in 1908.

...the winsome bride who was daintily attired in white silk voile with bridal veil and carried bridal roses was given away by her father.

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Wedding gown worn by Eva Hallman Bean for her wedding in 1908.
June, 1908
TEXT ATTACHMENT


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This gown was worn by Gina Lorentz on her wedding day.
28 June 1986

Credits:
From the collection of Gina and Mike Lorentz.

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This gown was worn by Gina Lorentz on her wedding day, June 28th, 1968

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This gown was worn by Gina Lorentz on her wedding day.
28 June 1986

Credits:
From the collection of Gina and Mike Lorentz.

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Lara Louise Livingston wore this wedding gown at her 1942 marriage to Harris Veitch.
1942

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Laura Louise Livingston wore this wedding gown at her 1942 marriage to Harris Veitch. It was then worn by their daughter Sherry Veitch at her wedding to Tom Pearson in 1973.

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Lara Louise Livingston wore this wedding gown at her 1942 marriage to Harris Veitch.
1942

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This dress was worn by Maureen Kells on her wedding day.
1974

Credits:
From the collection of Maureen Kells.