Photos

We provide clothing & accessories for museums, theaters, reenactors and television production!
Whether off the rack or custom made, we can serve you with prompt service!
At reenactments around the country, our staff is happy to personally fit you, or email us your measurements and we will custom sew a gown for you!
Contact us now to Schedule Your New Gown for
Your Upcoming Event!
joymelcher@hotmail.com 712-310-9383
(click here for event schedule).

We make period correct work dresses too!

News Clip from the 150th Battle of Wilson's Creek Reenactment

Patriotic for the 150th Anniversary Events!

Jennifer Sustar, Joy Melcher, Terry Arliskas each make their outfits to help celebrate the Reclaiming Our Heritage event for U.S. Veterans
To see how YOU can help click on:
https://forohmilwaukee.org/Home_Page.php

Dressing Patriotically is a wonderful way to commemorate the 150th Anniversary Events

We have available patriotic Aprons, trimmings and cockades for both Union and Confederate causes! Stop in for best selection!

Summer Sheer Gown adorned with flowers

Miss Candace in her New Sheer Gown from Civil War Lady

We stock many light weight summer sheer gowns made from Pima cotton, Gauze, Egyptian Cotton and English Lawn in a variety of sizes for her to choose from.

Order one today by clicking HERE!

Light as air. this gown offer sleeves made to catch the breeze and sheer to the touch. Modestly lined in the bodice, our gowns are made with distinction. Come and see our selection.

Shopping on a rainy day is a way to beat the blues! Civil War Ball Gown

Jaycee Dougherty from Springfield MO, wows the crowd in her period correct woven silk taffeta. This lovely gown in taffeta has two bodices; a ballgown bodice and a daytime bodice that easily attach on and off for easy travel to and from events. The photo doesn't do justice to the beauty of the fabric or this lovely lady! Stop in to try on a real CivilWarLady gown!

For Taffeta Prices see our website under "Ballgowns":
www.CivilWarLady.com

Lavender and Green Victorian Civil War Ball Gown

A lovely silk/taffeta blend plaid made into a ball gown for those with discriminating taste! Accented with a floral bouquet at the bosom and one of our intaglio cameo necklaces reproduced from an American museum. this gown is available in many sizes and in many different colors. Let us know what your taste commands and we will find the right color and print for you!

Our Silk gown fashioned after an original in our personal collection!

This lovely silk gown was made for a production at Ford's Theater in Washington DC in 2006 using an original in our collection to draft our own pattern! This is an unusual vertical pleated bodice that we reproduce for customers on occasion. Trimmed to the precise request of Ford's Theater, this lovely lightweight silk gown has much detailing.

A lovely fit through mail order!

Glenda Jardel often selects her dress fabric and fashions through Civil War Lady through email with our studio. This lovely dinner gown has a matching pellerine that fits snugly over her shoulders for daytime wear. Her long sleeves remove for ballroom attire. This gown gives three complete wears for the reenacting season.

Yes we make lovely gowns for young ladies!

If you are looking for a lovely gown for your daughters, please check our website www.CivilWarLady.com to place an order.

Our children's gowns have rows of growth tucks to let length out as your daughter grows. We include inches in the side seams to let out as they mature - your gown will last you many seasons. These gowns have long sleeves that can be attached to their gowns for cool weather. My two lovely nieces are standing in front of their grandpa's wagon on that is on display in their community. Please meet my young nieces, little Hanna and sweet Rebecca who enjoy reenacting and dressing for school programs!
To order a child's gown see:
http://civilwarlady.com/childrensdresses.php

Reenacting at the Battle of Cedar Creek VA, October 16, 2009

A cashmere wool coat trimmed in black velvet and gold bullion, three fox collar, blue silk bonnet and her astounding peacock feather muff that was inspired by Princess Mathilda's very own in the 1850's, is our dear friend and our popular model. "When the weather is not cooperating, simply be prepared to dress warmly!" states Miss Kenny.

Each garment is specifically designed at our customer's desires, or we are happy to design a historically accurate reproduction from our many selections. If you desire exceptional historically accurately made gowns, please stop in to visit our custom made department.

Canada, New York, Ohio

These lovely patrons shopped at our tent at a history show in New York. Trudy Watson from Canada wears a lovely pastel yellow gown with embroidered flowers. Next, our new York customer purchased this sheer gown from us in order to stay cool in the summer. Penny Dallas from Ohio wears a flattering periwinkle blue which flatters her eyes.

Silk Day Gowns at Olustee, Florida

Sandi and Joy enjoyed visiting with all our friends at the Battle of Olustee Florida in February! Thank you for stopping in and shopping us! We met some wonderful people and were able to visit with old friends.

Sandi in her jeweltone blue silk and Joy in her silk made from Ralph Lauren Silk with a pure lace fischu.

How to place an order: contact us by clicking on joy@civilwarlady.com
Fill our the measurement chart at
http://civilwarlady.com/sizinginformation.php
If we have your size on file, it's easy to mail order your next gown!

A Lovely Tea Gown to Dinner Gown

Wear this gown with sheer undersleeves and chemisette during the day and remove those items for dinnertime of late afternoon.
These three style gown is a very versatile gown for any occasion. Note the unique period fabric - a beautiful soft look!

Ballgowns at the George Washington Ball, Winchester VA

A group of friends gather in their lovely Civil War Lady ballgowns to attend the George Washington Ball in Winchester Virginia with General Lee! Left to right: Cricket Gelfert, Heather Kenney, Joy Melcher, Museum Director MaryCarol Miller, Sandi Swift. Seated is Al Stone, General Lee.

More details on the upcoming 2012 George Washington Ball sponsored by the Old Court House Museum will be posted here!

Lovely Gray and Black Taffeta Gown purchased in February

Darlene Stokes chose a formal taffeta gown is to wear to tea. The gown is trimmed in black velvet and worn with a matching pellerine and removable sleeves. For evening, the sleeves and pelerine remove for evening.

Comfortable, Correct and Camping - she had a great time!

This cheerful customer came into our store and needed a work outfit for the next day. Off with the blue jeans and on with the Corded Petticoat, work dress and apron. Here she is out doing her marketing on a crisp Saturday morning shopping for carrots and onions for that evenings' meal. Although we couldn't talk her into a slat bonnet to finish off her wardrobe, she did purchases a plain white day cap to keep her hair tidy.

Dressing the Nanny

Here is Miss Devin from Virginia, who portrayed a nanny at the Battle of New Market, VA. We even equipped her with a baby carriage and maid's outfit for the weekend. In a prim cotton gown, day cap and apron, Devin made a hit with the crowd and won over our hearts!

She did a great job with her young charge who is missing from his buggy at this time...!

Reclaiming Our Heritage Weekend, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

A very well run History Timeline Event attended by friends in the springtime that we encourage you to attend! I was fortunate enough to meet with dear friend Terry for a lovely afternoon of high tea, parade watching and a wonderful visit. Reenacting creates warm friendships.

Terry accented her historical reprint gown with a lovely pink fabric belt that enhances the pink tones in her fabric. An excellent choice!

Midwest Jane Austen Association
We produce outstanding gowns for many time periods!

Another lovely silk gown...

Here is a lovely earth tone shot silk gown selected from an 1860's period Godey's Ladies Magazine print. After emailing a photograph of the original fashionplate and her measurements, we were able to reproduce the gown in a matter of weeks and safely ship to one of our favorite customers. We were delighted to receive this photograph of her dressed out!

Kathy is always one of the best dressed women you will find in Florida. Here she is in her lovely 'Tea to Dinner Gown" covered with a pure lace fischu in the "Marie Stuart" style of the 1860's. This is a versatile gown, lovely to wear. This color is a changable taffeta with a vivid striped design. A show stopping gown for a show stopping lady!

The Lady's Chatelaine

Here is a close up of one of our pure sterling chatelaines that we reproduce directly from the original in our private collection. Along with the lovely cherub motif, it has graceful long sterling chains to suspend your period pieces. Our jewelry cases are filled with 1840's, 1850's and lovely 1860's original jewelry for sale.

Dressing Cindy for the Ball!

Here is Cindy's first ball gown made of a Japanese roller print silk and adorned with imported black lace. Having a fun time getting ready for the ball this summer, Cindy selected this lovely gown right off our rack at a reenactment and was able to go to the ball that evening. Look for us at your favorite reenactment, or email us at joy@civilwarlady.com

What's a Veterinarian to Wear?

When a customer came in the sutlery in her jeans and tennis shoes - she needed to be dressed from head to toe. She is the staff equine veterinarian for the Civil War reenactment and needed a functional garment to wear while caring for the horses. No problem as we have over 200 gowns in stock and all the accessories needed to outfit her completely. Within the half hour we fitted her in a work gown, apron and a warm knitted Sontag. Hair neatly netted and a work corded petticoat, she was off and running to care for the horses.

Miss Devon Dawson and Queen Victoria

We count among our many Cowboy and SASS friends Miss Devon Dawson. known as "Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl's" singing voice from Disney's "Toy Story II" and the soon to be released "Toy Story III" in June, 2010! Miss Devon has garnered top nominations nationally as “Female Performer of the Year” and “ Songwriter of the year” by The Western Music Association and The Academy of Western Artists. Here Miss Devon shops with Queen Victoria before she performs at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Her impromptu yodeling lesson certainly made the Queen laugh!

Theater Production of "Quilters"

Our draping department will produce gowns from your measurements in a very fast turn around time. We have a large selection of fabrics in stock and can assist you in all your needs. Joy@civilwarlady.com

Fine Friends at a History Time Line Event

A snapshot of a fun weekend of fellowship at the recent History event in Chicago Illinois. This history time-line was attended by our group of close friends photographed here from left to right; Marlene Mirr, John Mark, Bill Osborne, Becky Osborne, Terry Arliskas, Tom Arliskas, Gayle Melcher and yours truly, Joy Melcher. Attended yearly by our group of merry-makers, we enjoy an annual wine-tasting before the evening of period dancing donning garb in a variety of time periods!

Providing Costumes for Musical at Ford's Theater, Washington DC

Our costumes have been worn by a number of musicals, operas and theater productions. Our website www.CivilWarLady.com offers a fast turn around time with a wonderful draping service.

Opening Chorus, Musical Margaret Garner by Toni Morrison

Costumes for the Opening Chorus of Margaret Garner at the New York City Opera, New York. It was a fabulous opera, we loved doing the costumes!

Margaret Garner, New York City Opera

We costume for many theatrical performances from Broadway to Las Vegas! We offer draping with a fast turn around time. Photo courtesy PlayBill, New York

Lincoln Center, Dessa Rose Production

A highly acclaimed production we were proud to be a part of. we produced dozens of costumes including all female leading gowns. www.CivilWarLady.com Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center, NY

Hair accessories

A genteel hair style with our easy to install hair wreath copied directly from Gody's Lady's Book of the 1860's. We have a wide variety of these correct pieces always in stock! These are outstanding one-of-a- kind pieces that will take your breath away. Stop in to visit us and we will help you coordinate the perfect evening or day head piece with your gowns. If you desire, we will custom make your headpiece to match your gown. email us at joy@civilwarlady.com
COMING SOON! EASY STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS & INFORMATION FOR YOU TO MAKE YOUR OWN!

We Produce Outstanding Costumes for all Productions!

A theater Production with a talented cast deserves great costumes! We are able to drape and create many style of garments from The New York City Opera to the local High School Musical production. A quick moment for a back stage photo with two cast members. We created everything from Glinda's sparkly headpiece to Dorothy's farm shoes from Kansas!

Corsets in all colors and sizes

Need a ready made corset? Then contact us at joy@civilwarlady.com and we will be able to assist you promptly. You may choose a corset in a lovely pastel, bold color, period print or in white coutil, we have it in stock for you. Check our website www.CivilWarLady.com for sizing and pricing or stop in at our sutlery reenactment at reenactments for savings!

For MORE photos, click on:

www.CivilWarLady.com

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These materials, including all articles, text, photographs, images, logos and design, are
Copyright 2002 Civil War Lady Dry Goods and CivilWarLady.com. All Rights Reserved.
None of these materials may be copied and distributed for any purposes without consent of CivilWarLady.com. Contact joy@CivilWarLady.com