Every child loves to play dress-up.
Now, Clarkston residents can relive those days of fashion curiosity with the Clarkston Community Historical Society’s latest exhibit, ‘Clarkston in Costume: A Century of Fashion,? beginning the week of Jan. 30.
The society’s 12th exhibit since opening the museum focuses up women’s fashion’s from the mid-1800’s to the mid-1900’s. Between 60 and 75 items will be displayed including seven period dresses, mink stoles, gloves, handkerchiefs, shoes, photos and even cosmetics.
‘I think the most interesting items are the dresses because of their uniqueness,? said Director Toni Smith. ‘This is a great display. We’ve never done anything strictly on fashion.?
Smith credits Lucia Wilford, of Clarkston, with providing a majority of the dresses.
‘It’s always cool when the displays come from or belong to Clarkston residents,? said Jen Arkwright, president of the Historical Society. ‘We often have several pieces that are of Clarkston heritage but come from non-residents ? I just find it fascinating when the pieces come from Clarkston with Clarkston history.?
Both Smith and Arkwright agreed the most surprising piece in the collection is a ‘Flower Power? girdle in psychedelic colors from the 1960s.
‘That one’s going to make people look twice,? laughed Smith.
‘There’s something for everyone to enjoy here,? Arkwright added, ‘from the funky power girdle to a beautiful Cinderella dress.?
Smith explained that most of the pieces are placed into their historic context with photographs and explanations. She said the exhibit has a white graduation dress on display, and a photo of actual Clarkston High School graduates wearing similar fashions will accompany the piece.
‘We’re going to have lots of murals that bring together how and when these pieces were worn,? she said.
The exhibit opens the week of Jan. 30 and runs for six months. Hours of operation are the same as the library’s: Monday through Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m.-5 p.m. For more information, call the Clarkston Community Historical Society at 248-922-0270.

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When first joining a community, new residents often join area service organizations to become involved and meet people. Few expect to stay with the group for 20 years.
Debbie DeVault, a 22-year resident of Independence Township, did just that ? and she is now celebrating her 20th year as a Clarkston Community Historical Society Board Member.
‘We moved here because I like the community and it was convenient between our work places,? explained Debbie, who is now retired after 30 years of teaching special education, kindergarten and preschool. ‘When we were looking for somewhere to live, I really liked the historic look and feeling of the area.?
Shortly after moving to Independence with her husband Mike, Debbie was invited to participate with the historical society.
‘I’ve always liked antiques and history,? she explained. ‘I was also new to the community and wanted to meet people, and I have definitely met so many nice people.?
‘She’s very willing to take on anything we ask of her. She’s very reliable,? said Historical Society Director Toni Smith. ‘Debbie has a very good personality. She doesn’t get catty, moody or tired. She has a great attitude.?
Debbie said she witnessed several changes within the organization over the years, but the most dramatic was the creation of the museum.
‘It’s grown so much, and now we have the museum,? said Debbie. ‘We finally feel like we have a home in the library.?
When looking back over past exhibits, Debbie said she really enjoyed the school displays and Christmas show.
However, the Historical Society’s Art in the Village is still her favorite time of year. Debbie runs the cider and donut tent for the society all weekend long every year. According to Smith, the dedicated volunteer arrives at 5 a.m. to prepare everything for the day.
‘It’s just fun to see all the people in the community come together,? said Debbie.
For the future, Debbie hopes to see more people involved with the society. She hopes the school programs interest youth in the area’s history, and new exhibits keep bringing residents to the museum.