A showcase exhibit of “Vintage Hankies” will bring back a bygone era at the Garden City Public Library from April 1–29, 2012. Enjoy seeing a fine collection of feminine handkerchiefs – the ultimate dainty accessory for ladies and girls.
Exhibits are FREE and open to the public during regular library hours. For hours and directions phone: 516/742-8405. The library is located at 60 Seventh St., Garden City, NY. Funding for gallery and showcase exhibits is provided by The Friends of the Garden City Public Library. Installation and removal dates are subject to change.
Beautiful printed, embroidered, monogrammed, holiday, children’s and wedding-worthy white lace handkerchiefs will be included. The variety will show hand-made pieces of Irish linen, cotton and nylon from countries such as China, Portugal, and Pakistan. Some have edges which are hand-rolled, crocheted, scalloped, or framed with intricate lace. The time-consuming workmanship is nothing to sneeze at when compared with today’s disposable tissues.
One of the most fascinating handkerchiefs was made long ago by a woman prisoner held in the Pennsylvania State Correctional Institution in Muncy which is the diagnostic and classification center for the state's female inmates. The Institution was originally opened in 1920 as The Muncy Industrial Home, a training school for female offenders between the ages of 16 and 30. Apparently, the young women there were taught how to carefully hand-sew delicate hankies by a supervisor.
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?
