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Christening gown made 106 years ago is worn by the 10th member of the same family Date published: 2/17/2009
BY CATHY DYSON Little Cameron Roach got wrapped up in his family's heritage Sunday morning. The 3-month-old baby wore a white, flowing christening gown as he was baptized at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Stafford County. Among those gathered were eight of the nine people who have worn the same gown, in ceremonies that have taken place over the course of a century. "I think it's really neat to be able to have something like this," said Lisa Roach, Cameron's mother, who also was baptized at St. Peter's. "We're so excited that this is the first baptism where all of the [living] family members are present." The only person missing was Cameron's great-grandfather, for whom the gown was made. That was Harold Sheehy, and he died in 1972, but his wife, Eloise Thomas, was at the service. Thomas lives in Manassas and turned 100 on Valentine's Day. She was thrilled to see another "gorgeous grandchild" baptized in the family gown. "I'm very happy," said Thomas, an energetic woman who lives alone and does everything herself, except clean. "I think it's marvelous that the gown has held up this well, after all these many years." She believes her late husband would be "tickled pink" to see his descendants cherish the gown, made for him in 1903 by a neighbor. "Is it not gorgeous?" said Camille Priola, grandmother of the baby baptized yesterday. Priola lives in Spotsylvania County and has become the official caretaker of the heirloom, even though it's part of her ex-husband's family. She's still close to Thomas, her former mother-in-law, and took vacations with her former sister-in-law for years. The gown is dear to Priola because she doesn't have any such belongings. Her family lived in a small apartment in Queens, N.Y., and as the oldest girl, she handed down all her items to younger sisters. "I think it's wonderful for my children and grandchildren to have this," she said. "It's their heritage." And a remarkable piece of handiwork as well. Priola showed the item to co-worker Scarlett Clark, who collects hand-sewn antiques. Clark marveled at the craftsmanship. The gown and separate slip are 3 feet long, made of crisp, white cotton. Each stitch and lacy accent, along with every decorative design, was done by hand.
Date published: 2/17/2009
reading this story. The photographs made it even more special. Thanks, Free Lance-Star.
I think that is wonderful story to hear.. I have a dress my mother bought me it wasn't a christening dress it was for my second Christmas it is 49 yrs old I was first to wear it first born girl( im a redhead) my daughter wore it 25 yrs ago first born girl( she is a redhead) last year my grand daughter first born girl wore it ( she's a redhead ) so 3 generations of first born girls that are redheads we hope the little black velvet dress will keep going ... and so will the redheaded girls.
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