DARLINGTON — The Lafayette County Historical Society’s new exhibit is spread through two of the large upstairs rooms at the Museum on Main Street. A display of favorites from its collection of aprons through the years. The aprons are, primarily handmade, expressions of practical wearable art. They span from early 1800’s to today. There are dressy aprons for special occasions, black aprons for periods of mourning, humorous aprons, many colors, gingham, lace, crochet and organza. Some must have been “just for show” because they weren’t much protection of the clothing beneath.

Many poems have been written to honor a mother or grandma’s apron. It was a multipurpose item no woman would be without. It was a basket, a hot pad, a handkerchief, a peekaboo game, a dryer for tears, a hiding place for shy children, and an expression of creativity adding spice and cheer to a day of hard work. An apron made an easy first lesson in sewing with room for trimming and frills, finished in short order.

Visit the Museum to see a wide variety of this art form created and donated by residents of Lafayette County over the years. As much as possible names and bits of information are included with each one, and while at the Museum, enjoy historical displays upstairs and downstairs, original art by county residents, and the extensive archive of historical books, documents, and family histories. To avoid stairs, use the side entrance for the ramp and stairlift. There is easy parking behind the Museum on Wells Street. 

The Museum is open from 1 to 4 p.m. on weekdays and by request.  Call 608-776-8340 with questions or to request additional hours.