This week we are blogging about appearances. Lily, 9, what are your thoughts on the subject?

 

Appearances can be deceiving.

The first appearance deceives many.

 

Hmm. Sounds like we might actually be talking about deception. And I guess that’s what we’re doing, in a way. In the next twenty-four days we will appear three times as things that we are not. Well, at least things that we are not most of the time.

 

You’re confusing me.

 

I’m confusing myself, too, 9. What I’m talking about is two fashion shows and a Living History presentation.

 

I love doing those things!

 

And for us that love has yet to die, Lily.

 

First up is the Kirkman House Museum Tea and Fashion Show, April 30. This is a ticketed event and a fundraiser for the museum. I’m honored to be among the time-traveling fashionistas once again, and this time I’ve made it to the second half of the twentieth century! The evening gown I’ll be modeling was made in 1962. It’s colorful and shiny and exactly what I would have thought was the most beautiful dress I’d ever seen when I was a little girl. In fact, it’s pretty darn beautiful to my 63-year-old eyes, too. I hope to have a picture of it to share next week. In the meantime, here’s one from my first Kirkman House modeling experience in 2019:

 

 

I look forward to wearing that when I’m old like you.

 

Uh, gee, thanks, Lily. Moving right along, we’re also part of the Hanson House Couture Collection show at the Royal Block in Waitsburg, WA on May 20. This collection was assembled by one woman who traveled to 56 countries in the 1960s and 70s- -a retro show with plenty of variety. The collector, Mrs. Hansen, plans to be at the event which is in part an advance celebration of her 100th birthday later that month! Admission is free. The doors open at 12:30 P.

 

The sixties! That’s where I am!

 

You’ll feel right at home, 9. The poster really gives you a feel for the event:

 

 

The show happens during Waitsburg Celebration Days so if you’re planning to attend, come early- -parking may be tight!

 

The very next day Matilda Sager Delaney is making an appearance at Fort Walla Walla Museum. She’s the Living History presenter Sunday, May 21 at 2 PM. Matilda visits from the year 1898 and shares her vivid personal history, including what she witnessed of the Whitman Massacre as an eight-year-old in 1847.

 

So she’s really old in 1898?

 

All I can say is I wish I were that old again, 9.

 

Matilda debuted in 2019, making this her fifth season in the Living History program. She also made appearances at the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City, Oregon, in 2020 and 2021.

 

 

If you can’t wait until May 21 to see a Living History program there are many Walla Walla historic notables putting in appearances before then. For the current schedule go here:

 

https://www.fwwm.org/living-history

 

Meanwhile, we’ll be keeping up appearances. . .

 

Doesn’t that mean “to hide something bad and pretend that nothing’s wrong”?

 

Appearances. Deception. Illusions. All of these are elements in presentations calculated to please in the nicest possible way.

 

Meanwhile, pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. . .