Story and photos by Ted Waddell
SCHS board member Barbara Viele in the exhibit space.
HURLEYVILLE – As part of the Sullivan County Historical Society’s 23rd Annual Theme Tree Exhibit, the custodians of local history unveiled an exhibit titled “Victorian Era” in the main gallery.
The Victorian Era dress worn by Mrs. J.C. Young to Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887.
The centerpiece of the exhibit is a black dress once owned by Mrs. J.C. Young, who had the outfit made to wear to Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887.
Queen Victoria was born May 24, 1819 in Britain’s Kensington Palace, and ascended to the throne in 1837 upon the death of William IV. She passed away on January 22, 1901 and was buried alongside her husband Albert in the Windsor Frogmore Royal Mausoleum.
Emma Crary married James Chandler Young, a prominent banker who was later named president of the Sullivan County National Bank of Liberty in 1905.
The Young’s resided in a grand house in what is the now the town hall at 120 North Main Street, Liberty.
According to SCHS board members Sharon Thorpe and June Koester, organizers of the exhibit, the opulent house was constructed in 1844 and was considered one of the finest homes in the village.
A Victorian Era ballroom gown.
“We have an extensive collection of vintage clothing,” said Thorpe, noting that last year a dress nicknamed “Lizzie,” which dates from the 1770s-80s, was displayed at the county museum
“We have 170-some dresses going from “Lizzie” through the 1950s,” she added.
In addition to Young’s Golden Jubilee outfit, her elegant ballroom gown is also on exhibit, along with two other dresses from the Victorian Era.
Images of fancy women and beautiful girls were popular during the Victorian Era.
A vintage music box, donated to the SCHS by Dorothy Breen of Liberty, and various artifacts from the society’s Victorian Era collection complete the exhibit, which allows visitors a fascinating opportunity to step back in time.
The Sullivan County Historical Society is located in the Sullivan County Museum, located at 265 Main Street in Hurleyville. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is closed on Monday.
The special Victorian Era exhibit runs through the end of February,2010. For information, call 434-8044.
To view more photos or to purchase prints from SCHS Showcases Victorian Era visit the Chronicle on Zenfolio.
The Catskill Chronicle 
Random thought, but I’m a tremendous fan of vintage clothing, mainly b/c it is ridiculously retro! Anyway, keep up the excellent work. I liked the post!