ISLAND FALLS, Maine — Like many of its counterparts in other communities, it has been a difficult spring and summer for fundraising for the Island Falls Historical Society.
“Our usual spring fundraisers were canceled leaving us somewhat short of our financial goals,” explained Deb Dwyer, a member of the Historical Society. “Opening up the museum also presented challenges, so the board decided to do an outdoor event.”
That outdoor event has turned out to be an “Aprons on the Line” fundraiser, in which 40 hand-crafted vintage-style aprons will be displayed and available for sale. The sale will be a part of the town of Island Falls’ Summerfest event to be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1.
“Basically community members and historical society members have been designing and sewing old-fashioned aprons,” Dwyer said. “We thought this would be fun given that a lot of folks are now staying at home and doing more cooking.”
Adult and children’s aprons will be displayed on a clothes line at the museum, also known locally as the Tingley House. The group will also have a housewares exhibit outside where the public can view vintage cooking ware, sewing machines and irons that are part of the museum’s collection.
In the event of rain, the sale will be moved to 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2.
Last year, the historical society hosted a look back in time with a fashion show featuring period clothing from the 1800s to modern day.
“This concept came from the discussions surrounding all the folks who have been and likely will be doing more “home cooking” [during the COVID-19 pandemic] and the apron has stood the test of time in the family kitchen,” Dwyer said..
Adult-sized aprons are $20 and child-size aprons are $15. All of the proceeds will help with expenses at the museum. Dwyer said there are about 40 aprons available and social distancing with masks is strongly encouraged.
