“Writers & Readers of Central Wisconsin” Features Author Jane Bradbury
For many decades, the attic of the historic Roddis House on East Fourth Street housed closets and trunks full of dresses, suits, hats, gloves, and other relics of fashion’s past. Thanks to the efforts of Jane Bradbury, with assistance from fashion expert Edward Maeder, many of these historic items are now available for public enjoyment.
Bradbury is the niece of the late Augusta Denton Roddis, and co-author (with Maeder) of the book “American Style and Spirit: Fashions And Lives Of The Roddis Family 1850-1995”.
She shares her experiences of exploring her family’s fashions and of writing the book in the most recent episode of “Writers & Readers of Central Wisconsin,” a Marshfield Community Television program hosted by local author Lisa Boero.
Now a resident of London, Bradbury used to visit Marshfield every year.
“I used to come as a child, and then as an adult I came even more often because I was very close to my aunt,” said Bradbury.
Bradbury recalls a time when, as a teenager, her Aunt Augusta allowed her to try on a beautiful black velvet dress that Jane’s namesake (Jane Prindle Gammon) had bought in Paris in 1880.
“That was a great moment for me, to put on this dress,” said Bradbury. “Really, my fascination with historic dress started at that very moment.”
After Augusta passed away in 2011, Bradbury inherited much of the family’s clothing collection. She has spent the subsequent years restoring, documenting, and sharing these pieces. The Roddis Collection consists of 300 garments and accessories, preserved and complemented by archival objects, family photographs, and letters, as well the stories behind each piece.
Not only is Bradbury’s book a history of fashion, but also the story of a hardworking entrepreneurial family in Central Wisconsin. There are many opportunities to enjoy the Roddis story, whether through perusing the book, exploring the exhibit at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, or by attending Bradbury’s Luncheon and Lecture Event on April 22 (more information below).
Jane Bradbury would like to thank the Hamilton Roddis Foundation for their generous funding for the documentation and research stage of the Roddis Dress Collection Project, and to Marshfield Community TV for making the television interview possible.
The Marshfield Historic Preservation Association Presents
an exciting Luncheon and Lecture Event:
“American Style and Spirit:
Fashions and Lives of a Marshfield Entrepreneurial Family”
Speakers: Authors Jane Bradbury and Edward Maeder
The Hotel Marshfield
Saturday, April 22, 2017
11:00am – 2:00pm, Program begins at 11:30
Ticket Information: https://roddis.eventbrite.com
Vintage apparel encouraged!
