In literature, the process of giving an inanimate object life is called “anthropomorphism" and although it lends itself to thinking it is more appropriate as a line from a medical journel, it provides a way to add intrigue and mystery to something that is not alive. Giving a voice or a name to a dress would provide endless speculation of what ‘it’ was thinking – especially if it were a custom made satin wedding gown. For the purposes of this story, what better name to give a wedding dress than that of “Grace.”
Shirley Neener knew that Grace was always going to hold a special place in her heart. After all, it was her wedding gown and there is only one of a kind for the bride’s special day. A long flowing satin masterpiece, the train flowed behind her like spilled cream on a carpet. Hand sewn buttons covered with silk adorned the dress, with nine on each sleeve and 30 down the back. She had found Grace on the sale rack of a department store, marked down from the original price, standing regally on her own. Shirley knew the gown was for her, and her smile portrayed the glow of many a young bride on her wedding day. Photographs show her as a lovely silhouette with dark hair gleaming against the backdrop of silk. A pretty girl, she was eager to begin her life and a new adventure having many twists and turns, as life is apt to do. The year was 1951, a time of innocence for the world, young brides and satin wedding gowns.
What Shirley and Grace didn’t know was that 34 years later, her daughter Kathryn Andrus would also be a beautiful bride, the second wearer to walk down the aisle with Grace and off to a new life, just as her mother had before her. Although a full two inches of additional satin was added at the hem to accommodate Kathryn’s height, Grace was still the very same regal dress and ready to adorn its newest bearer. Hanging in the corner of the room awaiting its entrance on to yet another aisle, one can’t help but think it was as excited as the young girl who wore it proudly.
Grace dress didn’t think it would be the guest of honor at yet another wedding, for Kathryn did not have any daughters in which to pass it on. Imagine Grace’s surprise (and Kathryn’s) to learn one day that yes, indeed, it would be once again the vessel carrying another happy young bride down the aisle.
Rachel Pastor was a family friend who had grown up hearing about the stories of the dress named Grace and how it had been redesigned slightly to fit Kathryn and make it unique to her. She didn’t think too much about until it came time to shop for her one of a kind wedding gown.
Dismayed by not finding what she wanted, Kathryn casually mentioned the dress to Rachel and asked if she would she be interested in trying it on. Although she had yellowed from age, for Grace was now a dignified 57 years old, she fit perfectly except for the length. Kathryn smiled and noted that had been added for her, reminding her young friend that she could also refit the dress to her liking without changing Grace’s outlook. A facelift is just what she needed and all were happy to oblige.
The restoration of Grace was somewhat more involved than originally planned. To dry clean the dress would have cost hundreds more, an expense the young bride had not planned for.
The three of them took a chance and decided to give Grace the makeover she deserved. Painstakingly and carefully, they removed all 45 buttons wrapped in silk. Gingerly as if handling an infant, they laid her to soak in a tubful of hot soapy water for several hours, bathing away the years of memories and experiences of its former wearers. Holding their breath, they removed Grace from the fountain of youth they created, and were happily rewarded. Looking brand new, she would once again become the vessel of beauty she once was.
As they watched Rachel walk down their aisle with her intended, memories sprang to their hearts, marveling at the beauty of their old friend Grace who had carried them off in their own dreams and had once again become new.
It is not known what journey the treasure known as Grace will take next; it all depends on where life takes it, one supposes. But the beautiful memories it has created and sustained all these years will remain young and alive in the memories of its owners. One can only hope it will again walk down the aisle someday, regal and beloved as ever.
Shirley (Neener) Andrus 1951
Shirley Neener knew that Grace was always going to hold a special place in her heart. After all, it was her wedding gown and there is only one of a kind for the bride’s special day. A long flowing satin masterpiece, the train flowed behind her like spilled cream on a carpet. Hand sewn buttons covered with silk adorned the dress, with nine on each sleeve and 30 down the back. She had found Grace on the sale rack of a department store, marked down from the original price, standing regally on her own. Shirley knew the gown was for her, and her smile portrayed the glow of many a young bride on her wedding day. Photographs show her as a lovely silhouette with dark hair gleaming against the backdrop of silk. A pretty girl, she was eager to begin her life and a new adventure having many twists and turns, as life is apt to do. The year was 1951, a time of innocence for the world, young brides and satin wedding gowns.
What Shirley and Grace didn’t know was that 34 years later, her daughter Kathryn Andrus would also be a beautiful bride, the second wearer to walk down the aisle with Grace and off to a new life, just as her mother had before her. Although a full two inches of additional satin was added at the hem to accommodate Kathryn’s height, Grace was still the very same regal dress and ready to adorn its newest bearer. Hanging in the corner of the room awaiting its entrance on to yet another aisle, one can’t help but think it was as excited as the young girl who wore it proudly.
Grace dress didn’t think it would be the guest of honor at yet another wedding, for Kathryn did not have any daughters in which to pass it on. Imagine Grace’s surprise (and Kathryn’s) to learn one day that yes, indeed, it would be once again the vessel carrying another happy young bride down the aisle.
Rachel Pastor was a family friend who had grown up hearing about the stories of the dress named Grace and how it had been redesigned slightly to fit Kathryn and make it unique to her. She didn’t think too much about until it came time to shop for her one of a kind wedding gown.
Dismayed by not finding what she wanted, Kathryn casually mentioned the dress to Rachel and asked if she would she be interested in trying it on. Although she had yellowed from age, for Grace was now a dignified 57 years old, she fit perfectly except for the length. Kathryn smiled and noted that had been added for her, reminding her young friend that she could also refit the dress to her liking without changing Grace’s outlook. A facelift is just what she needed and all were happy to oblige.
The restoration of Grace was somewhat more involved than originally planned. To dry clean the dress would have cost hundreds more, an expense the young bride had not planned for.
The three of them took a chance and decided to give Grace the makeover she deserved. Painstakingly and carefully, they removed all 45 buttons wrapped in silk. Gingerly as if handling an infant, they laid her to soak in a tubful of hot soapy water for several hours, bathing away the years of memories and experiences of its former wearers. Holding their breath, they removed Grace from the fountain of youth they created, and were happily rewarded. Looking brand new, she would once again become the vessel of beauty she once was.
As they watched Rachel walk down their aisle with her intended, memories sprang to their hearts, marveling at the beauty of their old friend Grace who had carried them off in their own dreams and had once again become new.
It is not known what journey the treasure known as Grace will take next; it all depends on where life takes it, one supposes. But the beautiful memories it has created and sustained all these years will remain young and alive in the memories of its owners. One can only hope it will again walk down the aisle someday, regal and beloved as ever.
Shirley (Neener) Andrus 1951
Kathryn (Andrus) Scheuerlein 1985
Rachel (Pastor) Gates 2008
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