Where can you see an authentic leopard coat, dozens of vintage hats, firefighter memorabilia and photos from Artic Engine #1 and a display of books that have been banned in the last 100 years?
That eclectic combination of exhibits will be at the Milford Historical Society this summer. The opening weekend is June 4 and 5, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The three houses at the MHS complex, located at 34 High St., will be open for docent-guided tours that weekend and every weekend up to Columbus Day. Admission is free, and the Bryan-Downs House is accessible by a ramp.
In addition to learning about the history of the three early Milford houses, the special exhibits will cover historic and contemporary subjects.
The leopard coat was a donation from the estate of the late Sally Stowe Clemence of New York City, Florida and Milford, her hometown. Her accessories include a leopard fur hat, purse and other accessories. She also donated all the stylish hats. Clemence, who graduated from Milford High School in 1941, was the first woman director of a New York Stock Exchange member firm.
The Milford Artic Engine Co. was founded in 1838, and many of the photos are from the early 20th century. The firefighters’ dress uniform was donated by Pomela Pepper Flanigan from a collection belonging to her parents, the late Jerry and Esilda Pepper. (Jerry Pepper was a popular athletic coach and headmaster of Milford Prep School for many years.) This uniform was used in the firefighters’ parades that were followed by the laying of flowers on the graves of their fallen brothers.
For the age-old – and contemporary – subject of book banning, a display will include information on when and why the books were banned. Also included will be Milford Public Library’s policy on determining what materials to purchase.
The Country Store gift shop will be open each weekend. There are items for children in the 10 cents to $5 price range. For adults, there are Milford history books, various reprints of early maps and pen and ink sketches of Milford scenes.
For more information, call 203-874-2264 or visit milfordhistoricalsociety.org.