Unknown bride
Silk, rayon
1945- 1953
Courtesy of The Mary C. Doxsee Historic Clothing & Textile Collection
Ohio University

This wedding dress is handmade from a World War II silk parachute by a bride for her wedding. It was a custom that a solider would bring his bride a parachute as an engagement present. Due to rationing, fabric became heavily regulated and scarce. The silk provided the ability for brides to still have beautiful unique wedding dresses.

ca. 1941
Smith Gray Co., New York, New York
Courtesy of The Southeast Ohio History Center

Smith Grey created this uniform for the American Red Cross Clubmobile Service during World War II. The Clubmobile was a kitchen on wheels, complete with a donut making machine, that was free and easily accessible to servicemen. Peggy (the name on the breast pin) was an Athens, Ohio resident who volunteered for the Clubmobiles and wore this uniform during her wedding ceremony.

c. 1970
Courtesy of the Ohio University Archives, Alden Library

The 1960s and 1970s were a time of great change. Many infamous moments in history occurred during that time, good and bad. In modern day, this era is often idealized because of the appeal of the music, the hippie aesthetic and lifestyle, and the fashion. However, during this time there was also the Vietnam War, fights for civil rights, and multiple assassinations. This photo is from a protest on the Ohio University campus in1970. The severity of the event occurring, juxtaposed with the light hearted style of the pants worn by the man in the center gives an idea of the two sides in which the 60s and 70s can be viewed.

David Richards, Designer
Maurice J. Power, Caster
Sword from the Athens Civil War Monument
c. 1893
Bronze casting
Courtesy of the Southeast Ohio History Center

This May look like a real and ordinary sword. However, it is linked to a fascinating history. It is a replica that was part of the Civil War Monument located on Ohio University’s College Green in Athens.It was stolen during Vietnam War student protests in the 1960s and discovered later in a University dorm closet. It was the only replica found and returned out of the three stolen.

Anne Clark Culbert (American,1940-2007)
‍20th Century
Porcelain and glazes
Collection of Kennedy Museum ofArt

This sculpture is the artist’s fantastical envisioning of a courtroom scene. Characters from Lewis Carroll’s Alice In Wonderland are utilized to depict the chaotic energy of the imaginary conflict. Culbert’s inspiration for this satirical piece comes from her personal experience while serving as a juror on a rape trial in Athens County.