Debra (The Apron Lady) Slone of Shelbyville, speaks to members of the All Seasons Garden Club during the club’s June 3 meeting at the Calvary Baptist Church in Seymour.
Submitted photo
From left, Debra (The Apron Lady) Slone, Martha Wilson and Joan Thompson with their vintage aprons on June 3 at the Calvary Baptist Church in Seymour for the All Seasons Garden Club meeting.
Submitted photo
Linda Kamman modeling her personal apron she brought to the All Seasons Garden Club meeting on June 3 at the Calvary Baptist Church in Seymour.
Submitted photo
By Becky Hackman | For The Tribune
On June 3, All Seasons Garden Club invited Debra Slone of Shelbyville, also known as the Apron Lady, to bring a portion of her collection of aprons and give a history of each.
The aprons she had on display dated from 1865 to the present, which are store bought, rather than hand-made. She was wearing an apron that was cross-stitched with string, which during the time it was made, string was the only thread that was available to do their embroidery. That was long before floss came to the scene.
Slone has written a book called “A Woman in the Apron.” One interesting point in the book was that in the 1800s, aprons were made from material 24-28 inches wide, to accommodate the hoop skirts that were the fashion trend at that time. Back then, aprons were as important as a new dress.
Some of her aprons were very narrow, accommodating when women wore corsets. Then, aprons in the 1919 10-year period were wide, wrap-around styles. The 1920s aprons were shorter in length and drop waists, as the flapper style was popular. During the depression in the 1930s, many of the aprons were made from feed sack material.
The farmers needed feed and grain to make a living for their families, so the companies realized by using pretty cloth bags, they were most likely going to continue to sell their product.
During the meeting, there was audience participation where questions were asked and some brought aprons for Slone to give an approximate date as to when they were made.
At the end of her presentation, Slone read a poem she had written titled “Go Home and Tie One On!”
Desserts and drinks were served by hostesses Charlotte Foster, Rita Wischmeier and Nita Bridges.
Lastly, a short business meeting was held by All Seasons Garden Club President Linda Kamman. She reported several June birthdays — Julie Ballard, Jeanette Chastain and Foster.
Next, Kamman reminded everyone of the July meeting on the first Monday of the month at 6 p.m.. It will be a tour of the Vallonia Tree Nursery and then to Tiemeyers Market for dinner. Car pool plans were decided upon and the meeting adjourned.