Dressing for the Day
By Michael Pillagalli
In 1936, there were 23 homes open for the first Chester County Day and tickets to the event were $1.00 per person. The homes were spread throughout the West Chester area and the event was called West Chester Day. The event was chaired by Mrs. William A. Limberger and Mrs. A. William Ball. Two hundred tickets were sold for the first “Day” tour and, my oh my, how the times have changed!
Many of the original ticket holders were chauffeured around the route; Mrs. Ball being one who rode in a vintage Rolls Royce. The plan was to be delivered to Green Ledge Farm, the home of Dr. and Mrs. William A. Limberger, after 3 p.m. as she was serving tea to any of the 200 ticket holders who stopped there in the final two hours. Not only were many shuttled around in style, but all were dressed accordingly and that would have included hats and gloves for women and coat and tie for the men. All women would have worn a suit with their hat and gloves and the men would have been attired in a suit or tweed blazer with a tie with their hat in their hands as soon as they entered one of the open houses. It was the special event of the season and the ball was rolling to continue with great old Chester County dwellings that showcased lovely antiques, many of local interest, and splendid gardens. The houses and the guests were both dressed to the nines, as we would say in those days.
Over the years we have changed many things about the “Day” including the number of tickets sold, as well as the geographical area of the open homes has been localized to save on driving time and distances. The tour of the homes, historic buildings and this newspaper have been established to enhance the history of the Chester County area. One thing that hasn’t changed is that we still rely on those generous homeowners who open their private homes and gardens for you to enjoy exactly like on the very first open house tour.
One should still feel a sense of style to do the day as best as one can and try to dress the part. The gardens are weeded and planted with an abundance of fall color. The houses are dressed in their best and the homeowners have been painting, cleaning, and polishing for weeks and so we should do the same to show how much we appreciate all the work undertaken to get everything ready for an important social occasion.