Dear Friends of
the Niles Historical Society,
As you know, the 250th anniversary
of the founding of the United States is rapidly approaching.
In addition to this important date, the Niles First Ladies
Gowns are approaching the 50th anniversary of their creation.
In 1976, in order to honor
the Bicentennial, some of the ladies of Niles formed an
organization to recreate the First Ladies Gowns that were
in the Smithsonian collection.
The gowns were all locally made and sewn after many painstaking
drawings, photos and visits were made to Washington DC
in order to ensure absolute accuracy.
After the gowns were made,
they were modeled and displayed in many venues around
the area, and the ladies even went back to Washington
DC to model the dresses there.
The Niles Historical Society
is incredibly fortunate to have been given most of the
First Ladies Gowns. In order to put this in perspective,
Niles is the only community in the Unites States to have
a life sized collection of these gowns, outside of the
Smithsonian National Museum. But as all things age and
deteriorate, the gowns have also, and as they approach
their 50th year, the Niles Historical Society is asking
for your help.
We are asking you to sponsor
a First Ladies Gown. This would entail paying for the
cleaning, mending where necessary, and storage of the
dresses. A one-time fee of $100.00 will ensure your sponsorship
of one of the dresses. When the dress is displayed, as
we hope they all will be between now and 2026, your name
and/or your family name will be prominently displayed
with the dress.
Please take some time to
consider this opportunity. If you are interested, please
fill out the form below, enclose it with your check and
mail it to:
The Niles Historical Society
PO Box 368
Niles, Ohio 44446.
As we work together to preserve
the past for the future, we appreciate your generous support.
Sincerely,
Meredith Elliott
Niles Historical Society
I/we would like to sponsor
a First Ladies Gown.
Enclosed please find a $100.00 donation for the cleaning
and preserving of one of the gowns.
Name_____________________________________________
Address___________________________________________
Phone #___________________________________________
Since the Niles Historical
Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN 34-1276513)
and no goods or services are provided for donations, your
donation is fully tax deductible.
For more information
call:
Sandy at (330) 652–8329
or
Anna Marie at (330) 856–8274.
Please leave a message and we will contact you.
To
view an electronic file of this form, click here.
Please save/print and share
this form with any family or friends that may want to
help preserve the White House Ladies' gowns.
Create an email and attach
the file or print the form and share.
A
membership drive is
currently being held.
Memberships Available:
The yearly membership
drive is underway with fees of $20 for individuals,
$30 for families, $50 for patron level, $100 for businesses
and organizations and $500 for life memberships. Memberships
support the society's programs and includes the bimonthly
newsletter.
For more information
call:
Sandy at (330) 652–8329
or
Anna Marie at (330) 856–8274.
Please leave a message and we will contact you.
Tours of the Ward-Thomas
Museum for groups will be scheduled as requested.
We have frequent requests for private tours from those
visiting the area, various organizations and church
groups.
Please call Sandy (330) 652-8329 or
Anna Marie (330) 719 -5716 to schedule a tour.
Newsletter:
The Society will gladly
publish stories of the accomplishments of current
or former residents of Niles.
Contact: Anna Marie Beagle ambgeb@aol.com