The first presentation of the Symposium was Friday night "Frozen Assets: The Ice Industry and Ice Harvesting in 19th Century America". It was very interesting; a topic I had never given much thought to. In fact I was just reading a diary that mentioned how much ice they had in storage so I'm glad I was able to hear this particular topic.
Of course the marketplace was open and the first set of originals were up. Unfortunately my photos of the originals got mixed up with other photos and I can't distinguish which were from 2016. It will take some time to sort them all out; I apologize as I know the originals are what many of you enjoy seeing.
Saturday is conference fabric day. I posted my dress previously. Since I was on stage I did not get any pictures of any of the others as a group.
The first presentation was K. Krewer's "For the Fashion of this World Passeth Away: Identifying Changes in Mid-Victorian Clothing Styles for Women". As always, K's presentation was fantastic and included wonderful handouts and a CD of images. Next was new speaker Sally Ryan and "Readin’, Ritin’, Rithmetic, Reality: Education in Mid-19th Century America". Another topic I knew little about and Sally did a great job with her presentation. The morning finished out with “Lace is Always Handsome and Fashionable” presented by Beth Chamberlin. Beth is extremely knowledgeable on lace of the time and gave a great presentation on it's production and uses.
My presentation came after lunch. As I said before, I was not pleased with it as I ran out of time. I had timed it before hand, so it was a disappointment to me and the audience. Carolann finished up the afternoon with "Fashion Meets Technology: Skirt Supporting Petticoats", which addressed the evolution and manufacturing of hoop skirts.
Saturday night included dinner and a ball. I always enjoy these events and listening to the music. Smash the Windows was the band and they are always a pleasure to hear.
As happens occasionally at the conference, Daylight Savings Time started over the weekend, so up early for breakfast the Sunday presentations. The first presentation of the was "You Can Do It! Developing a Toolbox for Planning Civilian Immersion Events" presented by Jessica Craig and Betsy Connolly. This was such an informative presentation and well done. Although I have not been able to attend any of Betsy's events I have been to a few of Jessica's events and can vouch for the fact that she really knows this subject matter.
To finish out the event Kelly Dorman presented "So Much More Than a Research Tool: Taking a Closer Look at Cartes d’Visite". Kelly discussed the CDV as a cultural artifact rather than just a research tool. Sadly, Kelly passed away from cancer not too long after the conference. I'm grateful to have been able to know her and learn from her one last time.
I heard that the other track of presentations included wonderful presentations as well. "The Animal that Forged America: The Indestructible Mule" by Vince Hawley DVM was apparently quite entertaining and I wish I could have hear it! Nicky Hughes, as always, was very popular speaking on "The Other Side of Temperance: The Manufacture, Sale & Consumption of Whiskey in Mid-19th Century America". It probably didn't hurt that samples were part of the presentation!
So ended the Civilian Symposium as we know it. I so wish I was able to attend each presentation and all the workshops! The end of conference is always emotional for me, especially when I lived so far away. Even now, living so much closer, it is still sad to have to end the weekend. I so much enjoy the comradery of like minded people and learning about the 19th Century. So...on to 2018! I can't wait to see what Carolann has in mind!
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