Volume 24, Number 2 Fall 1994 The CastleLight

ThePassaic County Historical Society,Lamben Castle, 3 Valley Road, ,NJ 07503 Q01)881-2761

Stop That Wrecker!: A Needlefor Her Bnnh: Historic Preservation,for Women'sTextile Arts Individuals & Communities I810-1930 The 1994Jaqua Lectures The Society'swinter exhibit, "A Needle The 1994 Jaqua lectures will explore For Her Brush, " will feafure our the techniques of preserving historic extensivecollection of quilts, samplers, buildings, sites and homes with a embroideries and other examples of specialfocus on preservationprojects in women's needlework skills. PassaicCounty. The lectures witt be PCHS has assembled one of the held on three successiveWednesdays in largest collections of women's textile Octobernthe Lzth, 19th and 26th, here arts in Passaic County and Northem at the Castlefrom 7:30 to 9:30 pm. . Embroidery, crochet and t'Landrnark Decisions : Preserving other techniquesadorn quilts, coverlets, Community Treasurestt is the title of samplers, pillows, linens, dressesand the first program, scheduled for many other items. Because of their October lzth. The keynote speakeris fragility, many of these works have Charles Scott, from the New Jersey seldom, if over, been displayed. Office of Historic Preservation. He In addition to finished examples, will describethe various federal, state the exhibit will also contain samplesof and local prograrns that exist to help :ontinued on page 7 communities preserve sites and buildings of historical significance. He will also discussways in which historic C:ofi ShowReturns! sites find new uses and new economic viability. Once again, the Museum is about to be After Mr. Scott'spresentation, four transformedinto a holiday wondedandthis November. Hand-craftedSanias, reindeer, local historicalgroups have been invited wreathes,and ornamentswill cover the walls and crowd the aisles from November to describetheir projects: the Paterson 12 ttvough 27. Gifts, decorations, clothing,jewelry, antiquesand more...there Historic PreservationCommission, the shouldbe somethingspecial for everyone on your holiday shoppinglist. Wayne Township Historical You canvisit our Holiday HouseBoutique seven days week, Commission, and the recent effort in a from 10:@ am to 8:00 pm on weekdays,and 10:00am to 6:00 pm on weekends.In addition,we will Passaic to preserve the Aycrigg be serving refreshmentsin a specialMuseum Caf6 on werkends, so that you can catch Mansion (PassaicMasonic Temple). your breathand enjoy a cup ofcoffee and someholiday pastries. Craft Showtickets The second program, ttFrom the are$3.50, andare good for threevisits (non-transferable),so you cancome back with Ground Up: Grassroots Preservation a friend. in Action" will be given by Marion If you are very eager,there are two opportunitiesto preview the show year. Harris, Chair of the Morris County this On Friday, November11., there will be a preview tea from 2:00 0o5:00 pm, Trust and a trusteeof PreservationNew and a previewwine & cheeseparty from 7:00 to 10:00pm. Ticketsto eachparty Jersey on October 19th. A lively are$10.00 each, and must be purchasedin advance. They are going your speaker, her talk will focus on the fast, so send in reservationsoon. community initiatives which are crucial The Boutiqueis oneof our major fund-raising to the successof any historical preser- eventsof the year,and all proceeds previews, 'onrtrutedon page 7 from the admissionsand rafflesbenefit the Historical Society. We hopeto seeyou there! The CastleLight 2

Calerdar of Events Fall 1994

October Saturday,8th Genealogy Club Meeting: "A Pictoral History of Patersonn,presented by GerasimosK. Livitsanos, L0:00am Photographer.Free.

Wednesday,12th Jaqua Lecture: "LandmarkDecisions: Preserving Community Treasuresn Keynote Speaker: Chades Scott, 7:30 pm PreservationSpecialist, NJ Historic PreservationOffice, plus representativesfrom four preservationprojects in PassaicCo. Free. nFrom Wednesday,19th Jaqua Lecture: the GroundUp: GrassrootsPreservation in .A,ction"Keynote Speaker: Marion Harris, 7:30 pm Chairwoman,Morris County Trust and Trustee,Preservation New Jersey,plus representativesfrom four preservationprojects in PassaicCo. Free.

Wednesday,26th Jaqua Lecture: "My Old House:Preserving and Living in an Historic Home" KeynoteSpeaker: John Bruce 7:30 pm Dodd, AIA, PreservationArchitect. Free.

Oct 29th-Nov 1lth Museum Closed for craft show installation

November Friday, Nov. llth SneakPreviews: Preview the Holiday HouseBoutique craft showat an afternooniea, or an eveningwine and 2:00-5:00pm OR cheeseparty. Tickets: $10.00 for either event, good for two additionalvisits to the craft show. Call the 7:00-10:00pm Historical Societyfor reservations.

Saturday,12th GenealogyClub Meeting: RecordKeeping and Orientationto the PCHS Library. Free. 10:00am

Saturday,12th- Holiday HouseBoutique craft show: Hoursare Monday-Friday, 10:00 am - 8:00pm, Saturdays& Sundays, Sunday,27th 10:00am - 6:00 pm. ClosedThanksgiving Day. A MuseumCafe will serveholiday treatson Saturdaysand Sundaysduring the craft show. Tickets: $ 3.50, good for two additionalvisits (non-transferable).

Nov 28th-Dec9th Museum Closedto install new exhibit.

December Saturday,10th Annual Holiday Party. Previewthe new exhibit, enjoyholiday treats,live music,and a specialcancellation 1:00-4:00pm of the 1994Holiday Stamps. PCHS Members Free. Guests:$3.00 adults,$2.00 seniors,$1.00 children.

Sunday,llth Museum reopens: "With a Needlefor Her Brush,n an exhibit of quilts, samplers,lace and othel women's 1:00pm textilecreations from the Society'scollections. Hours: Wednesdays through Sundays, 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Closed Dec. 25 & Jan. 1. Admission:$1.50 adults, $1.00 seniors, children. PCHS Membersfree.

Saturday17th Children's Ornament Workshop: Children6-12 maketraditional Victorian scrapornaments and gifts. All 11:30am-12:30pm materialsare provided, but childrenshould bring scissors.Choose the morningor afternoonsession. Cost: OR 1:00-2:00pm $2.50 per child (PCHS Members' children $2.00). Call the Societyat (201) 881-276Ito register.

January Saturday,14th GenealogyClub Meeting: Workshopsession, bring your triumphsand tribulationsto share! Free. 10:00am

Mark your calendar now! Our Gala Valentine'sBall will be held Saturday,February llth. Plan to bring someonespecial. The CastleLight

Update.'CastleRestoration May Beginthis Spring!

Good news! It looks as if the long- Freeholders have agreed that work will The construction, when it begins, awaited restoration of begin on March lst, 1995. The precise will have a major effect upon the could well begin this spring. details still have to be worked out, but Society's operations for two to three In 1990, you may remember, the the situation looks promising. years. We are in the processof making County was awarded a 1. 1 million One final detail: the Freeholders plans to safeguard the collections and dollar matching grant by the New still have to vote formally on a bond library, continue our events and pro- JerseyHistoric Trust to restoreLambert issue for the money to match the funds grams, and develop travelling exhibits Castle. from the Historic Trust. This vote will so that we can remain a strong and vital The grant provided funds to remove be taken after the elections in organization while our home is under the infill ceiling between the first and November. Please take a moment to constnrction. This is a splendid oppor- second floors and restore the central write to the Freeholders and encourage tunity to reach out and involve all the atrium to its full height, to install fire them to continue their support for this coulmunities in the County, ffid we stairs and an elevator in the old project. The Freeholder Director is look forward to your support as we face seryant's areas, to replace the current John Morley, ffid the other Freeholders this new and exciting challenge. bathroomswith modern accessibleones are Michael Adamo, Charles Dela- and a small kitchen, and to modernize hanty, Richard DuHaime, Walter Porter the plumbing, electricity and climate and Norman Robertson. The addressis control systems. The original proposal PassaicCounty Board of Chosen Free- also inclucled restoring the exterior holders, Grant Street,Paterson, 07505. stonework, restoring some of the main rooms on the ground floor, and Thar* You! landscapingthe Castlegrounds. Due to manypressing needs within the County, Your responseto our requestfor variousitems in the last issueof the CastleLight was the Freeholderswere not able to act magnificent. Thanksto the generosityof friendsand members,we now havea floor upon the award immediately, since it polisher,a vacuumcleaner, a cordlessphone and a working computeron everydesk! requireda dollar-for-dollar match. We are extremelygrateful, and would like to thank David N. Beckwermert,John H. This surrrrner, the Historic Trust Berkenbush,Claire Dykstra, Howard l-anza, Andrew Shick, and William Ware for told the Freeholders that the funds theircontributions. would be reallocatedto other projectsif the Castlerestoration did not proceedin Over thepast year, many other individuals, organizations and companies have also & timely fashion. As a result, the madein-kind donationsof goodsand servicesto the Society. This generoussupport is vital to our operations,and we greatlyappreciate their gifts. Our 1993 HarvestFestival receivedcontributions from Bizub-QuinlanFuneral The CastleLight Homes;City of Clifton, Departmentof Recreation;Entenmann's Bakery; Kate Gordon; Keonig's Art Supply; Little Falls SavingsBank; Midt antic Bank; Marie Modarell; The Castle Light (forrnerly The Castle Lite) is the NormanParker Funeral Home; PatersonSingerbund; newsletter of the Passaic County Historical AnneR. Sia; PaulisonRentals; Society. a private non-profit organization PCHSFriends, Volunteers, Trustees & Staff; John Pullara;T.M. Ryback& Assoc., dedicatedto promoting interestin the history and Architects& Planners;sabretts Hotdog Co.; Supersellers; and SweetSisters Bakery. heritage of PassaicCounty. The newsletter is Holiday greensand flowers for the Castlewere contributedby Dee'sFlorist, who published quarterly, and distributed without havebrought their specialholiday spirit to the Societyeach year for manyyears. chargeto membersof the Society. In February,our Gala receivedsupport from Dee's Florist, Bob Smith'sFlorist, PCHS Tnr.stees: President, Mathew Witecki; BenkendorfsBros., LeonardA. Schnieder,North StateGrowers, Anne R. Sia and Executivc Vice President, Toby Bizub; Vice JudithTilton, all of whom who providedflowers and tabledecorations to help create President, Elliott Collins; Treasurer, John the properromantic mood for a Valentine'sBall. hrllara; Secretary,Judith Tilton. Dominic Bucci, This summer,the ConnecticutValley Paper& EnvelopeCo. providedprinted Joseph Hannan, Raymond J. Hovey, Howard envelopesfor our pressreleases and otherbulk mailings I.at:r;a,Robert Masiello, Elbertus Prol, Anne R. andwe alsoreceived a carpet Sia, Ed Schumacher,Richard Wein for the centralportion of our Library from Mrs. Donald Gordon. Most recently,the North JerseyHerald & Newshas arranged to print the brochure Staff: Kate Gordon, Director; Andrew Shick, describingour programsfor schooland communitygroups. And the coverphoto for Curator; PaulineZliceski, Secretary the brochurewas suppliedby their photographer,John Munson. This outpouring Passaic County Historical Society, Larnbert of supportis extremelyheartwarming, and helps to strechour Castle, 3 Valley Road, Paterson, NJ 07503 dollarsso thatwe cancare for our collectionsand share our County'srich historywith Phone(201) 88l-2761, FAX (201) 88l-2762. you, with our children,and with generationsto come. Thank you all very much. The CastleLight 4

CastleTales: TheklaPanasiuk, Secortd-floor Maid

The Historical Society is gratefitl to Mrs. families and friends that tied imrnigrant with both her employers that lasted Helen Bityk of Teaneck for sharing her communities together. At any rate, in throughout the five years she worked memoriesaf her mother-in-law with rc. 1908, she was hired as a second floor for them. Mrs. I-.ambert helped her maid by Florence, Catholina Lambert's improve her English. Her strong In 1905, a fifteen-year-old girl left her second wife. (After the death of personality endeared her to Catholina friends and family in Czarist Russia and Lambert's first wife, Isabelle, in 1901, Lambert, who probably recognizd her embarked for America alone-one of he married her widowed younger as a kindred spirit. Like Thekla, immigrants from southern millions of sister.) Lambert has come to America in his and easternEurope who flocked to the When Thekla became one of the youth to seek a brighter future. United Statesbetween 1880 and L9L4. servants at the Castle, the era of When Mr. Lambert came home Thekla Panasiukwas born in 1890, glittering, gala eventswas alreadyover. every night, he would take the loose in a small village near the Ukrainian The boom years of the 1890's were change from his pocket and put it in a capital, Kiev. She left at her bowl sitting on a table by the front mother's urging, to join a sister door. Thekla was allowed to grab already living in Newark, New a handful of this change for pocket Jersey and start a new life in money on her weekly day off. She America. practiced picking up change in her Like most immigrants, Thekla ,"' room at the Castle, so that she traveled in steerage-the cheapest ,," could get the biggest handful accommodations, down in the :, possible. She used the money to lower decks of a steamship. She go to the Ukrainian Hall in suffered terribly from seasickness, . Such but she suffered even more from ethni call y -basedorgan izations were fear of the unknown. Yet her thriving centersof immigrant life in Strengthand quick mind were equal America. There, newcomers could to both the journey and the future. speak their own language with Thekla's first taste of America those who shared a coilrmon wasthe immigration stationon Ellis culture. Island, where an immigration At the Ukrainian Hall Thekla official renamed her "Tillie, " met Feyodor (Frank) Bilyk. The probably because he thought it pair had grown up within miles of easierto spell. each other in the Ukraine, but did Taking the ferry from Ellis not meet until they came to Island to Hoboken, Thekla's next America. When Thekla told the challenge was to find her sister. Lamberts she planned to get She spokeno English, but she did married, they insisted on meeting have a paper with her sister's her prospective groom to see if he addresson it. Somehow she met a TheHa Panasiuk Bilyk, CourtesyMrs. HelenBilyk was suitable! Feyodor borrowed a man with a wagon who took her suit and went to meet them, though down the Plank Road to Newark. past, and the industrialistsof America's rather unhappily. Unfortunately, there was no joyous gilded age were retrenching as they The Lambert's paternalistic attitude reunion with her sister. Her sisterhad aged and the economy contracted. towards Thekla was not unusual. contractedtuberculosis and been sent to Nevertheless,the estatestill housedone Servantswere consideredin someways a sanitorium for "consumptives." But of the finest art collectionsin America, to be a part of the family, ffid were Thekla was lucky, her sister's former as well as elegant furniture, formal therefore under both their protection rooillmateswere other Ukrainian girls, gardensand more. and their control. Apparently the and they took care of her. They helped Thekla's duties at the Castle interview went smoothly, for the her to get her first job in America, included caring for Mrs. Lambert's Lamberts presented the couple with a working as a seamstressin a factory. wardrobe and taking care of the crystal vasewhen they married in 1913. We don't know how Thekla, living bedrooms. For this, she received a The vase is still a family heirloom. in Newark, learned about a job in modest salary, plus room and board at Soon after her wedding, Thekla left Paterson,at Lambert's Castle. Possibly the Castleand one duy off a week. She the I-ambert's seryice. Few women through the informal network of quickly establisheda wann relationship 'ontinued on page 7 5 The CastleLight

Help Wanted Song,Stamps & Sewing: Holiday Festivities at the Museum Pleasebe an angel and contribute a few of hours of your time to help us with Come to the Historical Society's annual the Craft Show. We need help during theme of the Society's winter exhibit: Holiday Party on December 10th for uA the week to staff the admissions booth an Needle for Her Brush: Women's afternoon of song, stamps and sewing. and raffle desk, and also on weekends Textile Arts, 1810-1930.' Historically, The songs will be provided again this to help us with the Caf6. Weekend women found an outlet for their artistic year by the Clifton High School's shifts are from 10:00 am to 12:30 pffi, and creative impulses through sewing award-winning madrigal singers. If 12:30to 3:00 pm and 3:00 to 6:00 pm and needlework. Only a privileged few you did not hear them last year, don't were and 10:00am to 1:30pffi, 1:30to 5:00 able to take up painting or miss them this time. pm and 5:00 to 8:00 pm on weekdays. They are sculpture. This exhibit showcasessome wonderful. The young men and women Volunteersget free admissionto the of the most splendid examples of deck themselves out in renaissance Craft Show, and it's a great way to PassaicCounty women's needlework in costumeand sing traditional carols and meet people, spreadthe word about the the Historical Society's collections. madrigals. They will completely revive addition Historical Society and do your holiday In to the exhibit, the your holiday spirits. Castle's period rooms will be decorated shoppingall at once. If you would like The stamps come from the United for the holidays, and to volunteer, pleasecall the Historical some of our 19th- StatesPostal Service. Under the aegis century toys will Societyat (201) 88L-2761on weekdays be arranged around of Paterson Postmaster Bill Ferry, a the tree in the parlor. between9:00 am and 5:00 pffi, or leave temporary postal station will be set up party will a messageon our answering machine The be held here at at the Museum during the party to issue Lambert and we will get back to you. Thank Castle on Saturday, December a specialLambert Castlecancellation you so much. of 10th from 1:00 4:00 pm. this year's holiday stamps. There are Refreshments will be served. three stamps: a stocking full of Admission is free for members of the children's toys, a Santa, and a Historical Society, guests and members reproduction of a 1663 painting of of the public will be asked to pay a theMadonna and Child by Elisabetta small admissionfee of $3.00 for adults, Sirani. The painting, from the $2.00 for senior citizens, and $1.00 for collectionsof the National Museum of children. Women in the Arts, ties in with the

, C]HRISTMAS EnterpriseClass Members

Many thanks to these companies and organizationsfor their support:

Dr. John Ambrose; Beth Israel Children's OrnamentWorkshop Hospital; Car-M art; General Hospital Centerat Passaic;J.'W. Holding Group; Snowflakes,scrap ornaments and laughter. The Society'sannual holiday ornament Hallock & Ammann; Lerch, Vinci & workshopsfor childrenwill be held on Saturday,December 17th here at I-ambert Higgins; L.M.C. Corp.; PassaicCo. Castle. Childrenwill maketraditional l9th-centurygifts and holiday ornaments Medical Societyi Radiology Imaging basedon materialsthat can be found around the house. The workshop is intended Associates;Harish H. Shah; MD; and for children aged6 to 12. Therewill be two classes,one at 11:30am and one at The Steel Agency. 1:00. The cost of the workshopis $2.00 for membersof the Historical Society ($2.50 for the generalpublic), and all materialswill be provided. Childrenshould The Enteqprise Class of membership bring scissors. call the Historical Societyat (201) 88r-276r for reservations,or offers many benefits to corporations for informationabout scheduling a specialsession of the workshopfor groups. including free museumadmission for all This workshopis madepossible throught the generosityof the JaquaFoundation. employees and use of the Castle for corporate functions. If your company is interestedin joining, pleasecall the Historical Societyat (201) 881-27 61. The CastleLight 6

Heirlooms: Qutlts

Thesecond in a seriesof articlesintended to Quilts can be displayed flat, as on weight of the wet quilt will break the help you preserveand enjoyyour famity's a bed (furry friends keep offl), or hung stitching or cause the fabric to tear. history. on a wall. If you hang them, don't just Before trying to wash the quilt, see tack them up. The weight of the quilt how much dirt you can remove with a Quilts are very popular now, due in should be distributed evenly. You can brush or vacuum cleaner. vacuum, ocountry" To part to the look in interior make a tube of cotton and sew it to one take a square of window screening decorating. Becauseof this, the value edge of the quilt to hold an enamelled about 24" square and cover the edges of antique quilts has skyrocketed, and metal curtain rod, which then rests on with duct tape. Iay this down on the modern, foreign-made copies of old brackets attachedto the wall. Or you quilt and vacuum through it. Reduce designsare widely available. can sew the fuzzy side of Velcroo to the suction on a powerful vacuum If you are fortunate enough to in- the edge of the quilt, and staple the cleaner somewhat by tilting the nozile herit or buy an antique quilt, here are hook side to a board which is fastened so that some air leaks in. some guidelines for protecting and to the wall. Use silk or IA0Vocotton If you feel the quilt really needs enjoying your treasure. thread for sewing, polyester thread can washing, think again. If it is valuable When displayingyour quilt, keepit damagethe quilt. Both hanging meth- or has strong family associations,don't out of direct sunlight, or it will fade. ods support the quilt properly, and risk it. Save your pennies and take it to With some fabrics, twenty hours of allow air to circulate behind it, pro- a professional textile conservator. If sunlight will start the fading, and the tecting it from damp or dirty walls, it's an old quilt once usedas a dog bed, damageis cumulative and irreversible. peelingpaint, or acidicwood panelling. you can try to revive it, but be careful. Florescentlights can also causefading, \il'hen the quilt is not on display, First test for colorfastnessby damp- they shouldbe shieldedwith UV filters and some expertsrecommend giving it ening an inconspicuous spot with a or avoidedaltogether. a rest after three months, it should be cotton swab to see if any color comes protected from acids, molds, mildew, off on the swab. Each color or fabric light, dust and its own weight. Care- in the quilt should be tested. Intense fully fold the quilt, and pad the folds colors, particularly rd, will often bleed with acid-free tissue paper. Period- (even with modern dyes). If it passes In Memoriam ically refold it, changingthe locationof this test, then wash it very gently in a the folds. It should then be wrapped mild soap solution, with many rinsesof The Society notes with sadness lightly in unbleachedmuslin, old cotton clear water. Wash it in the bathtub, the passingof two dear friends, sheetsor acid-freetissue paper. Plastic gently pressing the water through it, Constance Polyak and Evelyn will block air circulation, trapping and pressing all the water out before Orr. Mrs. Polyak was a long- moisturethat can lead to mildew, and it you and a helper lift it out. Don't time member of the Society and gives off harmful fumes that can dam- scrub and don't wring it out. If your active in our Genealogy Club. age the quilt. Dcln't stack quilts, it water is hard, don't wash it at home. joined Mrs. Orr the Societyas a crushesthe fahric. Keep them in acid- Dry it flat. Spreadit out on sheetsin a volunteerin became 1983, and a free boxes, rather than conventional shady spot, turning it occasionallyuntil loyal Museum guide and an enth- cardboardboxes. Ordinary cardboard its nearly dry, and then h*g up to air. usiastic supporter of all our will burn and stain the quilt over tirne. You will probably never get all the activities. They will both be Take the quilt out periodically to air stains out, but don't worry, think of greatly missed. and inspectit. them as part of the quilt's history. Memorial gifts have been Cleaning quilts is difficult and Proof that it has been loved and used made to our library renovation risky. Some quilts, such as qazy from generation to generation. Enjoy fund by friends of Mrs. Polyak. quilts, with their mix of different types it, care for it and passit on. Friends of Mrs. Orr have con- of fabric and embroidery, were never tributed funds to our efforts to meant to be cleaned. Velvet and silk, * publish Howardlanza's guide to in particular, are virtually impossibleto Cedar Lawn cemetery, where she quilt clean. If the is very ornate or Sources for acid-free boxes and tissue is buried. If you would like to valuable, dontt try to clean it yourself, paper: make a contribution or bequestto seekthe help of experts. With simpler University Products, 517 Main ,St., the Society in memory of these quilts there are two risks. One is the Hotyoke, MA 01041 $m) 762-1165 Free two friends, or of other loved fabric may bleed or run if it gets wet catalog ones, pleasecall or write to us. (dry cleaning can also affect the dyes Talas, 213 West 35th St., New York, on someolder quilts). The other is the t{Y rml Qr2) 7s6-7744 The CastleLight

Folk Finder

Elizabeth OlmsteadCarroll, 1254Hague Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104seeks more informationon her maternalgreat- grandparents,Charles MORRIS (1812-1888)and his wife SarahH. ALLEN BALL (1820-1902),resided 'Hilltop,' Ringwood, NJ. Who was Sarah'sfirst husband,Mr. Ball, and what becameof their son, ?Henry. Chades'parents were John (1730-1854) and RebeccaBIRD (1781-1864). Who wereJohn and Rebecca'sparents? Any informationwould be appreciated.

Mary R. Pierce, 8714-26Ave. NE, Seattle,WA 98115seeks the parentsand birth/deathrecords for RobertRAY, who narried SarahAugusta SPEAR in Paterson,May 12,1881. Their daughterElbertha (Alberta) Viola, born 512711882in Patersonmarried a JohnEdward POST and died 8/2011945in Newark, NJ. Any informationon the Ray family would be appreciated.

Stop that Wrecker (cont.) possible through the generosity of the Design and expression were as impor- JaquaFoundation are school prograrns, tant as the utility of the item being -vation program. She will be followed such as Mill Owner/Mill Worker tour made. Some women were as adept by representativesfrom several county and the "Neighbors Along the Passaic" with their needles as any artist with a grassroots preservation organizations classroom outreach, and children's brush and palette. including the Friends of the Morris programs such as "Games of Yester- Canal Park in Clifton, the East Side year" and "Holiday Ornaments." The NeighborhoodAssociation in Paterson, Society is extremely grateful to the Thekla(cont.) the Friends of the Long Pond Iron Foundation for its ongoing commitment Works in Ringwood, and the High to our efforts. domestics continued to work after they Mountain Park Project in Wayne. married, unless their husband worked The final presentation, t'My Old for the same family. She left in a House: Preserving and Living in an Needle"for a Brush (cont.) crucial year, 1913, when the Great Silk Historic Home," will be held on Strike hit Paterson and l-ambert October 26. The speakerwill be John the tools women used to create their suffered financial difficulties. Bruce Dodd, AIA, one of New Jersey's masterworks, such as sewing machines, For the next few years, Thekla and pioneer preservation architects. Mr. work boxes and bags, needlecases, etc. her husband also struggled. Feyodor Dodd will discuss the various pitfalls These items illustrate the importance of broke his leg in 1915 and it was set and delights encounteredby owners of textile work in women's everydaylives poorly (he limped for the rest of his older homes, and the necessary during the Victorian age. Finally, life). While he was out of work, balancing act between authenticity, photographsof some of the women who Thekla opened a penny candy shop in affordability, practicality, appearance createdthe works in the exhibition, ffid Hoboken to make ends meet. Even and livability. samplesof patterns and other sourcesof though money was tight, she still "I believe theseprograms will fill a inspiration from the Society's rich managed to save fifty cents a week in real need," said Society Director Kate archives will bring their world to life. the bank. Gordon, "People often call us when This exhibit is a rare opportunity to Eventually, hard work and thrift local landmarksare threatened. But by gain a new appreciation of our grand- paid off. Thekla, Feyodor and their then its usually too late. The most mother'sand greatgrandmother's lives. two sons, John and Matthew, moved effective preservation comes from In the 19th century, women were from Hoboken to Jersey City. They advance planning and community allowed little spherefor creativity, since bought a house and that all-American support. We hope that this series of men dominated the worlds of culture, status symbol, an automobile-a lectures will help people preserve the business and politics. Women were Packard. Sadly, John was killed in features which make their neighbor- relegated to the home, where they were World War II, but Matthew went to hoods special, and put them in touch expected to create a cozy, morally college. He later taught at both Stevens with other successfulgroups within the uplifting atmosphere for the family. Institute and JohnsHopkins University. County." Idleness was a sin, and mother was Thekla died in 1965. Her family This marks the third year of the expected to set a good example. When remebers her as a strong, authoritative Society's annualJaqua Lectures, named she was not sewing clothes, bed linens person, sometimes highly opinionated, in honor of the JaquaFoundation which or other utilitarian items, she occupied but always much loved. Her life has provided generous support for the herself with fancy needlework, making typifies the immigrant experience in Society's educational programming or embellishing items that would add America. since 1986. Among the programsmade beauty and comfort to her home. -Andrew Shick