Un-Fair

 

The Nebraska State Fair began yesterday but unfortunately I won't be able to attend this year (ye olde land 'o the unvaxed out there) but that doesn't mean I can't wear my State Fair attire at home in the city. Like all the best clothing this one has a good story.

Years ago (and by years I mean like over 20) we took a trip to Abilene, Kansas because I wanted to visit the Eisenhower library. We've since been back with Danny, and if you ever find yourself in Kansas looking for something interesting to do, I highly recommend a visit. Back when went the first time around the city wasn't as geared up for tourists as it is now, and the antique shops were more along the lines of junk shops with prices that reflected the quality of merchandise. The store where I found this dress was notable for being not dirty in a filth/grime sort of way, but undusted/tidied in a way that reflected generations of meaning to "get around to cleaning". I find that completely relatable now, but back then when I still had youthful ideas about housekeeping standards, I was horrified. I would have turned and left, but my husband found himself trapped in conversation with what I'd best describe as an, "Interesting elderly local." Accepting that we'd be there for a while I decided to have a look around whilst trying to avoid breathing more than absolutely necessary. 

Ever been in a store where there's a hand painted sign with an arrow indicating "More Upstairs/Downstairs"? Sometimes that's great. Back when Avenue Victor Hugo Bookshop was in Boston (since moved to New Hampshire I hear) they had a gloriously un-sorted upstairs where I found the most wonderful books I didn't know I needed. Sometimes, it was in the Basement like the old Watertown Books. This was Kansas, not Massachusetts, but having swung back around to check on Mr. ETB listening to the story of someone that stole the topper off a bottle thirty years prior and the woman sighing, "The Lord says we have to forgive..." I was resigned to not getting out of the place anytime soon. I went upstairs. 

"Upstairs" wasn't another floor, but a dark, unfinished attic space where a ghost wouldn't have been the worst thing I might have seen. Before retreating, I spotted some clothes strewn over an old desk. Of course I found a gingham dress in Kansas, you couldn't get more Kansan. It was in good shape, just a little-okay, very dusty. There was another dress, a black brocade with a matching bolero and I took that one as well. They were unpriced, but I knew it couldn't be much, certainly not by Boston standards. 

I can't remember how much they were, but it wasn't much and buying something did actually distract the woman at the till from Mr. ETB long enough to give us a reason to pay and escape. I sometimes wonder if I hadn't bought the dress how much longer we'd have been there. We might still be there! 

The dresses both washed-up fine (that's cotton for you!) and are wardrobe favourites to this day. 

Someday, I will stick a fluffy crinoline beneath it. The dress is fully lined and is made by Lanz of Salzburg. It has a 1958 copyright on the label, but my understanding is that's the date of the label re-design and might be as late as 1960 when they changed the label again. So old, but not that old. It was likely still new-ish when it was abandoned in that attic.  

I don't have great photos of the second dress I bought that day, but here's some from 2013.

Pardon the toilet theme, I was buying a plunger that day. Mr. ETB asked me to pose with my purchase in the lot of the hardware store, so I did.

Much to the embarrassment of the eight year old Danny

You can almost see the decision to move abroad forming in his head at such a young age. 

Before I leave you, I'll give a few close-ups of the accessories from last week's wearing.

Reproduction mourning brooches from Museum of the Very Strange on Etsy. 

Unworn vintage shoes I thrifted. They gave me a blister but that's my fault for breaking them in without stockings. 

Vintage straw handbag I always forget to use. I used it twice this summer, so as far as I'm concerned that justifies owning it. I don't remember where the belt came from but it is quite old. 

So no State Fair for me this year, but here's hoping next year will be better. That gives me yet another year to work on my rhubarb pie recipe, so be warned-I'm going to be back gunning for a Best of Division ribbon in 2022. 

My blue-ribbon strawberry/rhubarb pie from 2017. I've improved since then. I lost the Best of Division rosette ribbon to an admittedly beautiful apple pie. 

See you next year, Nebraska State Fair

PS

Be extra nice to the volunteers if you go-they're so dedicated and working under pretty terrible conditions between the weather and covid.