A BALLGOWN worn by Miss Ida Traill's grandmother when she was just nine years old will be among the exhibits in a heritage gown display at Miss Traill's House this weekend.
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The gown is now held by the Cavalcade of History and Fashion, a Sydney-based volunteer group committed to acquiring and preserving gowns from Australia's colonial past.
The gown that young Emily Kite wore to a ball in 1852 to honour the arrival of SS Chusan as the first steamship to sail into Sydney Harbour is one of two of her gowns to be displayed in Bathurst on Saturday and Sunday.
The Cavalcade will host a sold-out high tea and display at Miss Traill's House on Saturday (or in the Uniting Church hall if the weather is poor) before the Bathurst community is given the chance to view the display on Sunday.
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"It is a really significant piece for Bathurst because before Miss Traill died she donated two of her dresses from her grandmother," Miss Traill's House managing committee vice chair Lyn Haley said.
"They also have the fan, silver hand comb and reticule (small bag) that Emily Kite took to the ball.
"There are some beautiful old things for people to see. We invite people to come on Sunday, have a look through the house and enjoy the display of old gowns."
Ms Haley said this weekend's display of heritage gowns had been more than a year in the making.
"We were going to run it this time last year but then COVID hit so we were planning for November but COVID was still around," Ms Haley said.
"We will have over 40 volunteers contributing over the two days."
Ms Haley said the weekend's activities were going ahead with the support of sponsors including the Bathurst Historical Society, Books Plus and Bathurst Regional Council.
Miss Traill's House will be open to the public for tours and the gowns display from 10am-4pm on Sunday. Usual entry fees apply with tea and coffee available.
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