Petticoats: High Fashion or History
Contributed by The University of South Carolina chapter of the DAR

Doris Sandberg explains petticoats in the 1500s to members of the USC chapter of the DAR

The USC chapter of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) held its April meeting on April 9, 2008, at the Presbyterian Home of S.C. in Lexington. The newest member, Mary Beth Lambert McSwain was heartily received. Jean Arrants reported on the American's Creed, written by William Tyler Page and chosen from over 3000 entries.

Julia Langford reported the DAR had a record year of applications last year, resulting in 567 new members. The USC chapter received four awards at the recent state conference.

The program was presented by Doris Sandberg. Sandberg is from Greenwood and supports historical, educational, genealogical, and musical projects both at home and in Newberry. She has been the regent of the Mount Ariel Chapter in Hodges several times. She also has been a state officer and currently serves the state society as coordinator of awards.

Sandberg gave an entertaining and informative program: Petticoats: high fashion or history? Petticoats originated in the 1500s. Modern day women are happy to no longer have the impossible task of navigating through aisles or hallways with the 1700 version of the petticoat that was as wide as 15 feet.

Sandberg relayed stories of women losing their lives to fire due to the petticoat as well as interesting stories of hiding things under the ever changing form of years gone by. Next month's program will be May 14 on Constitution Hall in Washington, DC. If interested, contact Catherine McBroom 345-7027. Did you know: Some chapters of The Daughters of the American Revolution date from as early as October 11, 1890.