One hundred years of wedding dresses from local women, spanning each decade between 1890 to 1990, are now on display at the Pajaro Valley Historical Association’s Bockius-Orr house in Watsonville.
PVHA board member Virginia Avila, office administrator Jodi Frensley and a cast of volunteers teamed up to fill three rooms of the Italianate Victorian home built for the Bockius family in 1870.
The show features 16 dresses and accessories, veils, shoes, jewelry and photographs from earlier days, along with loads of information about where they came from and who wore them.
The entire exhibit reflects ties to the Pajaro Valley and surrounding region, and were donated by community members.
Fensley and Avila hope to draw the public to the exhibit to teach them about the “rich history of the area.”
“This exhibit is such a treasure and offers a rich glimpse to the past of our area,” Frensley said. “One ensemble even features the original receipts of the entire outfit. Our team put in over 89 hours to make this show just right.”
Admission is free to the public.
PVHA’s museum and archive, 332 East Beach St., are open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11am to 3pm or by appointment. For large tours (8 or more), call 831-722.0305 at least one week in advance. For information, email Jodi Fensley at jo*********@*****************ry.org.
