Emilio Pucci

Emilio Pucci was an Italian fashion designer who became popular during the 1950’s. Pucci is considered the inventor of the Capri pants, which were extremely popular among teenagers during the 1950s. The designer is well known for psychedelic patterns in a kaleidoscope of colors. His inspiration came from ancient colorful flags.  Early in his career Pucci experimented with stretch fabrics while designing skiwear and swimwear. It wasn’t until the 1960s when Pucci started designing flowing silk jersey dresses and scarves that he is recognized for today. Read more

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Found!

It is amazing to see the “forgotten” objects are being rediscovered in our collection. In 2009, I came across a large, folded document tucked away in a box. It was a U.S. patent issued to James Wardrop of Ampthill, Virginia on November 15, 1794. Mr. Wardrop, a merchant, had developed elastic flails that improved how a threshing machine processes wheat. The patent originated in Philadelphia, which was at that time the nation’s capital. Read more

/Meg Hughes

Investigating Scrapbooks

 

The History Center’s collection includes more than 300 scrapbooks. They contain photographs, programs, clippings, certificates, and all types of souvenirs.  Some scrapbooks contain very personal stories while others document the activities of a business or organization as well as local, national and international events. Read more

/Meg Hughes