The other day I took myself on a little side trip downtown. It was a beautiful day to be out and about, and I was actually doing something I wanted to do which was not work related! Being an only child, I enjoy doing things by myself when I have the opportunity. I can handle traveling by myself, spending a night (or four) in a luxury hotel by myself, and shopping or visiting museums solo. I can go at my own pace. If I get bored I can move on, or if I want to linger and read every description, or sit and relax, I don’t have to ask or feel like I am holding others back. (Don’t get me wrong, I love spending time with my husband, Steve. And, as most of all of you know, we are with each other 24/7)! But there are those days, when I just want to be by myself.
OK, all that to say, I took some time to check out the beautiful wedding dress exhibit at the Old Courthouse Museum. This was the first time I visited the historic building since becoming a South Dakotan, and it felt like I was stepping back into time.
One of our customers, April Woodside, is part of a historic team that creates professional displays, everything from “Homesteading Dakota: Decisions on the Prairie” to “Vacationing in America”. Currently on display is the history of bridal gowns:
“Let’s Get Hitched! The Road to Matrimony”
You can hear echoes of wedding bells at the Old Courthouse Museum! Encompassing over 100 years of bridal gowns as well as wedding invitations, marriage certificates, photographs, and other objects, the exhibit traces the development of the traditional white wedding we are familiar with today. Topics include floral decoration, jewelry, bridesmaids and groomsmen, bridal showers, receptions, and the cake. You may even be able to help them identify some photos of our local “mystery” brides! Come down to the Museum and help celebrate the story of matrimony in the Midwest.
The 16 dresses on exhibit range from 1860-1960. They are made of silk brocades, wools, and crepes. Embroidered organza and chiffon mix with tulle and lace. There aren’t only white dresses, either—there are pink, blue and brown wedding dresses from early weddings as well.
The Old Courthouse, an imposing Richardsonian Romanesque building designed by prominent architect Wallace Dow, is now occupied by the Siouxland Heritage Museums System. The massive building, its polished interior, and the original oil paint wall murals have been gently restored. The Museum and its interpretive displays are open to the public.
So before wedding season officially starts, take an afternoon stroll through some of the history and traditions that we still see in today’s twenty-first century wedding celebrations.
Old Courthouse Museum
6th & Main, Downtown Sioux Falls, SD
Hours
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed on major holidays. Free admission. Free parking. Wheelchair accessible. Open daily. Call (605) 367-4210 ext. 0 for more information about current exhibits, tours, and fun, educational programs for all ages.
Parking
Free two hour parking is located to the north and to the west of the museum. Enter from Dakota Avenue or Main Avenue. Metered parking is available as well, curbside south of the museum along 6th Street and on the east side of the building on Main Avenue.
Click here for a list of other exhibits currently on display.