Mrs. Frances R. Stratton This is Me

 Web References

1. 1. Destination:Maine

   www.destinationmaine.com/museu - [Cached]

   Published on: 7/2/1999   Last Visited: 2/2/2001

   'I discovered last year that I owned a $ 6, 000 dress that I found in a rag bag at an auction, ' says Frances R. Stratton, director and founder of the The John E. and Walter D. Webb Museum of Vintage Fashion in Island Falls. 'Also, a lace maker from Belgium identified an 1865 shirt made with bobbin lace as worth $ 3, 000. I purchased it at an antique sale for $ 75.''.
   
   Experiences like these just add to the excitement she has had during 45 years of collecting men's, women's and children's antique clothing.
   
   The collection started strictly as a hobby, but she decided it wasn't doing any good in a trunk. She turned the Webb homestead, n historic landmark, into a museum. Fourteen of the 17 rooms that house the collection have period furnishings, which enhance the costumes.
   
   For years Stratton has been fascinated with fashions and the place they hold in history. She believes there's no better way to learn about our roots than seeing the real clothing worn by our ancestors.
   
   On July 16, 1983 she realized the fruition of her dreams as the sole owner and curator of the non-profit establishment and opened the museum, dedicating the museum to 'help keep alive the heritage of our past . . . to further the education of our youth . . . for all the precepts throughout the history of our great country . . . to the love of our town which means so much to our lives.''.
   ...
   Stratton knows the history of almost all the items and chats about them in an informal, friendly. The research involved to determine the date, design and background of each item has been tremendous. Her wardrobe is so extensive that she can rotate the exhibits so one can look forward to seeing a different display the following season.
   
   She usually doesn't accept clothing unless it is in good condition, but there have been exceptions such as a rare gown made 'of the most beautiful material I've ever seen'' that she found in a coal bin. There have been others. She has spent hours and hours with needle and thread restoring them. It took her 35 hours to repair a gorgeous gown that had been worn to a masquerade party.
   
   An interesting theme is featured in each room. For instance, 'Sadie and Viv'' chatting over tea reminding Stratton of her own mother, Sadie Morin, and next-door neighbor Vivian Currie sharing many moments discussing the welfare of the children and village happenings over a cup of tea when she was growing up in Island Falls. She is extremely proud of 'Sadie and Viv's Tea Room, ' where tea is served from fine china cups and saucers and crumpets are enjoyed for an extra dollar.
   
   The museum contains 45 mannequins with exceptionally fine features, attractive styles and so life-like we bumped into one and said 'excuse me, ' much to our embarrassment. Each one is named after someone Stratton knows.
   
   'When you've finished the mannequins you've accomplished something for others to see, ' she said.
   
   Another interesting spot is 'Jim and Barry's Haberdashery Shoppe, ' which includes everything the name implies - spats, informal 1840s dress suits, a Prince Albert coat, a World War I uniform, derby, straw hats, 19th century evening wear and coats of coon and bear skin.
   
   And the Hat Boutique. She has a weakness for hats. 'I can boast one of the biggest hat collections to be found anywhere. I can fill a room 18 feet long, 10 feet wide from the floor the ceiling.''.
   
   ...
   In the LaSalle Mariee Bridal Room, Stratton has Edwardian and Victorian gowns of silk and linen ; an especially elegant 1924 elaborate silk gown of sunburst pearls and an 1890 Paris creation, a charming silk-satin gown which came from the Belfast estate of Admiral Pratt.
   
   They are enhanced by accessories, such as mousseline de soie wedding veils, 1890 silk hosiery, delicately trimmed lace handkerchiefs, kid shoes and bridesmaid's crowns. No lady's trousseau would be complete without the elegant 'unmentionables'' - they are all there for everyone's open enjoyment. 'This is my special room, ' she said tenderly.
   
   Other rooms are Sheila and Diane's Millinery and Dressmaker Shoppe, Yesterday Room, Children's Room and Island Falls Room. An old fashioned room features a spool bed with straw and feather ticks, ladies' dressing gowns, bed jackets, pantaloons, nightcaps, nightgowns and assorted bric-a-brac. There's also a replica of an old fashioned living room, complete with great-grandmother's wedding table, wicker rocker and a group of lady mannequins dressed in 19th century fashions.
   
   People have traveled miles to see the museum.
   
   ...
   'It proves to me, if you have a unique and interesting ongoing concern of interest to the public, they will travel to see it no matter where it is located, ' said Stratton.
   
   And travel they do. She has been written up in Fuji's Bank Travel Guide and Lady's Gallery Magazine ; listed in AAA Travel Guide, Who's Who in the East, Who's Who in America and Who's Who in the World.
   
   'In New York City, I would expect this, but not in Island Falls, Maine, ' was the remark made by an astonished member of a tour group.
   
   The weekly schedule through early October is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and weekends by appointment. Special group tours may be arranged on dates other than those listed by calling 463-2404 or 862-3797 during the off-season.
   
   Donations of $ 3 per person will be greatly appreciated ; senior citizens, $ 2 and children under 12, $ 1.
   ...
   Mrs. Stratton is retired as a senior bookkeeper at the Bangor Hydro Electric Company and is retired as president of the Bangor-Brewer Area Management Club. Her expertise has long been recognized and she has been in demand as a speaker, presenting her own shows for various organizations and public functions. She has raised a great deal of money for historical societies and charities. Since the formal opening she has had many requests to give TV shows and interviews and has given speeches throughout the state.
   
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