Unionville Museum Exhibit Shares Wedding Memories

There could hardly be a better trip into the attic than to open up the boxes and look through the wedding dresses, flowers, favors and invitations of generations past. And though one dress conjures stories and memories of a lifetime, the Unionville Museum has put together those of a town for its new exhibit, Wedding Memories, opening Sunday.

The exhibit, organized by Unionville resident and museum board member Patty LeBouthillier, features more than 20 wedding gowns from the museum’s collection, those owned by LeBouthillier and several lent by local residents. The oldest dress dates back to 1870, while the newest was worn in 1985. There are also headpieces and veils, tuxedos, invitations, photographs, cake toppers and the cross from the now-demolished St. Mary’s Church.

Norma Francini, also on the museum board, said the group started putting the exhibit together in January. Taking the fragile dresses from their boxes and getting them to hang on mannequins was an arduous process, she said.

“We had an ironing, pressing crew going,” she said. “We used a lot of table linens, vintage crochet work.”

“The exhibit really shows how the styles change from then to present times,” said Marie Peichert. “In the 1920s they wore the shorter skirts compared to the older dress with long trains.”

LeBouthillier’s own dress is included in the exhibit, with a picture from her wedding day, and from when her daughter wore the dress, with modified sleeves to match the 1980s style.

When the exhibit opens Sunday, visitors will be treated to champagne and wedding cake to celebrate the occasion. The exhibit will then run until June 15.

It is the Unionville Museum’s 58^th exhibit.

“We always focus on things we want to share with the town,” LeBouthillier said.

The opening reception will be held Sunday, March 6 from 2 to 4 p.m. After that, the museum is open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m.