First Presbyterian Church is celebrating its bicentennial along with the city of Murfreesboro. In fact, when Revolutionary War Hero Captain William Lytle presented land on which to locate the town square, he also gave ground for the Presbyterian church.
As a part of the bicentennial, First Presbyterian members sewed and created 200-years of fashions. A 200th Anniversary lunch and fashion show was held in the Common Room at the downtown church on College at Spring Streets. Even the three women who gave the history of the city, church and fashions--wore clothing of the period. (above L-R) Susan Daniel, Linda Stevens, and Wanda Barr.
The Beginning...1812
The congregation had been meeting in a log cabin near what is now called Murfree Springs when Captain Lytle deeded a tract of land for the church. It was on what is now known as Vine Street, where the old city cemetery is located. In fact, MTSU did a historical dig of the foundation a few year's ago Jane Blakey (below) wore the fashions of women in Murfreesboro back in 1812.
Patsy Coleman (below) wears a dress similar to what Murfreesboro women wore in the 1830's.
Martha Richmond (below) models a dress seen in Murfreesbor in the 1840's. As you can see, this was more comfortable and had pannier, which had a whalebone type of cage around the waste that holds the skirt out.
Civil War Era
The Battle at Stones River changed life in Murfreesboro. In fact, First Presbyterian's Vine Street location was possibly the city's first brick structure. The sanctuary was used as a hospital by both sides, then the Union troops kept their horses in the church, and finally tore it down brick by brick to use the material in other buildings.
(below) Layne Young uses a fan to stay comfortable during a warm day and it also becomes part of her total fashion look.
Then the 1890's brought the bustle that holds the back of the skirt way out from the body. Here (below) Lee Ann Walker models what a Murfreesboro woman would have worn to church in that era.
Fashionable 1900's
Murfreesboro women in the 1900s set the same fashion trend as other cities, they were sheek, comfortable and elegant. (below) Earlene Foss shows how the proper lady looked as she attended special events of that era. In fact, this dress was worn by Earlene's grandmother in that era.
Wedding Gowns
Wedding gowns from earlier times were similar to many of those worn today. (below) Whitney Tesi wears an actual wedding dress that is over 100-years old and was worn by the grandmother of one of First Presbyterian's members. This wedding gown was handmade lace.
Then 1910 moves in and Jane Blakey (below) shows the comfortable attire enjoyed by Murfreesboro women during this changing time in history.
Flapper Era
The Flapper Era and Roaring 20's brought zoot suits, dancing and more comfortable clothes worn by Murfreesboro women. (below) Patsy Coleman showed how women of that time dressed.
The 1930's. (below) Becky Coutras freshens her make-up and gets ready to help with an event for the at First Presbyterian Church.
World War II Era
Then the 1940's comes to the Heart of Tennessee. World War II and everyone is helping with the war effort: Victory gardens, USO events at the church and more. Women become heavily involved in business, since the men were at war. Thus the birth of the famous "Rosie The Riveter". (below) Lee Ann Walker struts with a mink stole, feathered hat, a string of pearls and brown plaid dress suit.
1960's...Rock'n Roll...Peace Brother!
Then came the 1960's and the time of "Rock'n Roll, Bay of Pigs, Vietnam War and Peace Movements" look. (below) Amy Maynard steps out in the "Jackie Kennedy" look that was emulated by many Murfreesboro women.
