Donation made to museum
Stoughton said he began collecting in the 1970s when people tended to just get rid of their old clothes and asked if he wanted them.
The Reeves Museum/Dover Historical Society has accepted a donation to its vintage clothing collection. Jerry Stoughton, former French teacher at Dover High School, donated over 300 outfits, many complete with matching shoes and hats, ranging in date from 1880-1990s.
The majority of his collection consists of women’s clothing because, according to Stoughton, “Men’s fashion doesn’t change as often as women’s, and men tend to wear clothes until they’re worn out.”
Stoughton said he began collecting in the 1970s when people tended to just get rid of their old clothes and asked if he wanted them. Now some of those vintage pieces would be priceless. Though people may see many of his outfits in the annual Vintage Fashion Show, most of the pieces can’t be worn because they are too small.
This season people can see over 50 pieces from the collection on display throughout the Reeves Home through Oct. 8 during regular tour hours, which are Wednesdays through Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.
The Reeves Victorian Home and Carriage House Museum is located at 325 E. Iron Ave., Dover.