Getting in costume for General George Washington Day

Warwick - Stand in front of the mirror. The reflection is not quite familiar. It’s your face and figure but from another era, transported back through time far beyond your oldest memories to a long ago summer afternoon - July 27, 1782, the day George Washington came to Warwick. The calendar on the wall says it is really July 29, 2006. You are ready to join, in a totally fun and immersed way, the George Washington Day festivities hosted by the Historical Society of the Town of Warwick. Your transformation is accomplished not through a magic potion but through the magic of costuming, creative thinking and pretending. Dressing up is fun, but it is also a way of stepping into history and being someone of another time and place. For those looking for authenticity as well as for a day to remember, come to Baird’s Tavern on July 18. From 2 until 8 p.m., professional costumers, Marlu Costumes, will display, size, fit and take orders for costumes. Try on a costume; catch a glimpse of yourself in period dress, and you’ll be ready to rent one for the day. Costumes will be available for pick-up on July 25. Marlu can costume an individual or an entire family regardless of age or size. They’ve costumed this day before and they guarantee you will be eminently ready to join George Washington at Baird’s Tavern for the 2 o’clock parade through Warwick as well as to enjoy all the other activities the Historical Society has planned. For those who choose to create original costumes, the Society’s Gift Shop, open Tuesday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. is a good place to start. Here you’ll find tri-corner hats for the males and mop hats for the females. Children also might like to carry and play with an 18th century toy. Males, young and old alike, can simply tuck their slacks into high socks, wear dark shoes, throw on a white shirt, perhaps a vest and a tri-corner hat. That’s perfect workingman attire! Women can begin with the obligatory mop hat. A loose, blousy top, long skirt and shoes can make a very acceptable 18th century woman or child who worked in the garden or even acted as a tradesperson. One place to look for photos of 18th century dress on which to base a costume is www.history.org/history/clothing/intro/index. There are many ways to design outfits for George Washington Day. Every level of society is represented on this site - from slaves to gentry. Whether you rent or create your own costume, the point of George Washington Day is to enjoy the participation. It’s a wonderful experience for the entire family. Begin at 2 p.m. at Baird’s Tavern for the parade and continue with square dancing and live music by the Glory Bound Band. Tours of the historic buildings in Warwick began July 1 and are available on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 2 until 4:30 p.m. Call the historical society for more information at 986-3236 and visit the Web site at www.warwickhistoricalsociety.org. Wendy Dembeck is a member of the Historical Society of the Town of Warwick.