Fashion
Fashion has played an important role throughout history because it reflects the values, beliefs, and social structures of different time periods. By studying clothing from the past, we can learn about class systems, gender roles, cultural identity, and even technological advances of a society. Fashion also shows how people responded to major events such as wars, economic changes, and social movements, making it a valuable historical record. Through fashion, history becomes more personal and visible, helping us better understand how people lived and expressed themselves in different eras.
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Below are articles of clothing preserved as family heirlooms by students and the history teacher from Athens D.H.S.
1920's Swim Dress
This swim outfit, which was worn by Lila Huton (Ms. Campbell's grandma), was a popular design in the 1920's. Though it was worn by Lila, research shows that it was a unisex style. This style, called the “California Style”, was widely made by companies like “Bellas Hess”, a mail order department store popular in the 1920's. It was often worn by men and boys; the skirt being used to remain modest.
Irvine Family HIstorical Fashions
Debbie Cunnungham's 1970's Wedding Dress
This is Debbie Cunningham's wedding dress from the 1970's. The sheer fabric from the top is in poor condition due to passing time. There are light brown stains scattered across the skirt suspected to be coffee. The vail has three layers of different lengths, the longest reaching down just past the waist of the dress. At the waist, in the middle back, there is a hook. There is a loop in the middle of the train, when hooked at the waist it lifts the train enough for dancing. Originally, Debbie paid $100 for the dress, with inflation it would be approximately $1,500 today (late 2025).
Written by A.D.H.S. student Ellis Mordaunt (family member)
Wedding Dress
This wedding dress belonged to Shirley Cunningham and is estimated to be from post war 1940's. A see through mesh, originally added for modesty, has been removed. Some very interesting features include the shoulder pads, hidden underneath the ruffle neckline; the popping clasps at the wrists; and the pointed waist in the front and back. The dress is in very good condition for nearing a century old.
Vintage Doll Clothing
The age of this doll is unknown, but the doll clothes were hand stitch by a lady who lived during the second World War. She hand stitched all the clothes for two dolls, one being this one. The dolls hair has become frizzy. Some of the clothes are stained and/or ripped, but most are in good condition.
