Children’s clothing, shoes and books were donated to the Historical Society by Susan Aedo this summer. The infant sized, hand sewn, white cotton petticoats, dresses and under garments belonged to her great, great, great grandmother, Edith Perkins who lived and grew up in Pleasant Prairie. The dresses and shoes had been stored for years in Susan’s great grandmother’s attic. One infant shoe has a tag attached that reads, “This shoe belonged to Edith Perkins, (Hazel Gleason’s mother), when she was a year old, bought in 1872.”
Four books were also donated. Two reader school books, “The Little Lame Prince” and “Bunny Boy and Grizzly Bear,” with handwritten inscriptions from “Mother” dated 1912 and 1916 respectively. A third book, “Holidays at Roselands”, was one of several books written by Martha Finley. It was dated by the owner, Margaret Eunice Bennett on April 22, 1927.
The fourth donated book, a personal “Inspiration Book” with handwritten words of wisdom from family friends living in various Kenosha County communities, belonged to Laura Hill (b. 1838). One of entries from Belle Scofield of Bristol, Wisconsin was dated December 16, 1889. Belle wrote to Laura Hill, “Is learning your ambition? There is no royal road. Alike the peer and peasant. Must climb to her abode.” Another entry from Daisy Pierce dated February 18, 1891 read, “May peace attend your future hours. And love bestow your faith with flowers. And may you ever have a friend. True as the one these lines have penned.”
The Historical Society is always looking for members who have an interest in researching historical topics. If you would like to become a member of the Historical Society, please contact us at [email protected] or (262) 947-3600.