PEA RIDGE — Pea Ridge Historical Society Minutes
The Pea Ridge Historical Society met at 6 p.m. Feb. 22 at the museum. Jerry Nichols opened the meeting and introduced Katherine Bailey, a lace maker and member of The International Old Lacers Inc.
Katherine told us that many years ago, children in Europe were apprenticed at age 4 and 5 to lace makers, and worked 10-hour days.
Their parents could not afford to feed them and they had to learn a trade. England made a decree that only royalty and knights were allowed to wear lace. Men wore more lace than women. Lace was one of the most highly prized possessions you could own. Lace makers were so important that anindividual was not allowed to move from the town they were established in without special permission. If they were given permission to move, they were not allowed to take their needles and tools with them.
The Industrial Revolution (1830s) stopped the majority of individuals from making lace by hand as an industry since it could be machine produced. By the 1870s, many people had better income and could afford housekeepers. This freed up more time for the wife and mother of the home to see to it that their daughters learned to make lace. It was important as a culture to be able to produce nice items for your home.
Katherine explained that crocheted lace and tattedlace were the poor man’s lace, as they were easier to make. Bobbin lace (woven lace) is more complex.
Linen thread is desirable but is expensive, as it is made from flax. Katherine showed some of her extensive collection of handmade bobbins from all over the world and several samples of handmade lace. It was a beautiful and interesting presentation.
Jerry Nichols announced future programs as: March 22, World War II photos;
April, a tour of Pea Ridge National Military Park former building sites; April 26, Lee Family; and on April 30 the annual Egg Roast to be held at the home of Bob and Beulah Prophet.
Marcia Cothran read the minutes from the Januarymeeting. Mary Durand announced that Feb. 26 would be a work day to prepare for the Museum’s reopening on Saturdays, starting March 5.
Jerry then gave a report on the SEEK building on Pea Ridge School Property. He had gotten positive feedback on using the building as a meeting place and additional display for the Historical Society. Jerry proposed making it a “School Heritage Building.” Some refurbishing would be needed and we would be responsible for expenses. The response was favorable to explore the possibilities.
Anyone interested in the history of the Pea Ridge area is welcome to attend the next meeting at 6 p.m.
March 22 in the Museum at 1451 N. Curtis Ave.
Community, Pages 5 on 03/02/2011