Gracing the pages of the June-July issue of Southern Lady, a magazine that celebrates all things feminine, are some decidedly familiar faces.

The latest edition features an article on the Fayetteville-based Girl's Life in 1800s summer camp, which is running its third session of the summer this week at the Old Depot under the direction of Michele Cox.

Just like the Fayette County girls featured on the glossy pages of the two-page spread, 20 ladies-in-the-making stifled giggles Monday morning as Cox fitted them with their hooped petticoats and skirts.

Sitting down was another challenge to be mastered, but the girls quickly adapted to the antigravity effect of their Victorian gear.

Learning about the clothing of the era was one of the week's first lessons. Each camper was presented a notebook complete with sketches of 1800s fashions. The girls reacted in horror when they were informed that women in mourning may have worn black for two and a half years.

As the week progresses, the girls will learn old-style dances such as the Virginia Reel and Paw Paw Patch, and the prerequisite curtsy. The art of cross-stitch also will be introduced, as well as calligraphy, flower pressing and napkin folding.

Local history is another component of the week's session that Cox takes pains to include. A trip to the historic Fayetteville Cemetery located on Stonewall Avenue beside the Board of Education will be part of Friday's field trip. After taking some tombstone rubbings, the campers will proceed to the fountain and bricked mall of the county complex, where they will be briefed on the significance of the memorial bricks.

Due to restoration plans, the Holliday-Dorsey-Fife House was not be included in this summer's lesson plan. It has served in the past as camp headquarters, but was replaced this year with the completely air conditioned and spacious Depot.

Tuesday, the girls donned their hoops and skirts as easily as slipping into blue jeans. Their summer t-shirts were replaced with their own personally designed tops decorated with lace, appliques and buttons, pulling together the total Victorian “look.”

A lesson in millinery design will precede their bonnet- making session. By Friday, when the girls present a program of Victorian entertainment for their parents, they'll be transformed into true 1800s ladies.

For information about the camp, phone Cox at 770-487-6796 or Main Street Fayetteville 770-461-6029.



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