I have always been fascinated how people of the 19th century lived and the clothing they wore. I can remember well into my childhood wanting to sew for a living. It was difficult growing up in a small town and wanting to be a seamstress in this day and age. So I pursued other interests, although being completely unsatisfied with them.
In 1989, a great friend of my husbands noticed that I was interested in historic clothing and suggested that I go to the "Civil War Shop" on Main St. The Civil War Shop was called The General's Tailor. It was full of long skirts, hoops, soldiers' weapons, uniforms and the smell of wool. The first time I walked in the store and looked at everything, I was in awe that anything like this even existed. I felt somewhat transported back in time as I walked through the store examining the clothing. I walked up to the owner, Dale McCabe and asked him for a women's dress pattern. He pulled out a Heidi Marsh camp dress pattern out of the box and showed it to me. I was so excited to actually have a real historical dress pattern! If you sew you know what I'm talking about. Its like a soldier with a new weapon. I thought it was the best thing since pockets. So, I went home, made the dress and brought the finished garment back in to show him. To my surprise he was looking for a new seamstress and, without hesitating, I told him that I could do the job.
Dale introduced me to the world of Civil War Reenacting. Then and there I knew I was in my element. He was the dance master for the waltzes at my Victorian wedding.
I've met a life long friend through Dale.
A couple years later Dale McCabe died from a bad heart. I feel that people come into your life for a reason. His friends and family dearly miss him and I will always remember him.
Jenny D'Onofrio
