Lace can seem weightless: a flutter of thread, a decorative flourish on a collar, a veil, a handkerchief. Disguised as an ornament, its architectural and mathematical intricacies lie unnoticed. Lace is a record of human skill that may take years to master. Few holdings reveal this hidden world more vividly than the Esther Oldham Lace Collection, much of which is held within the collections of the Wellesley Historical Society. Esther Oldham (1900-1984), a lifelong Wellesley resident, devoted much of her life to the collection and study of lace. She assembled an extraordinary archive of knowledge: thousands of lace samples, lace-making tools, reference notebooks, scrapbooks, books, and more that document centuries of textile artistry. Today, the collection occupies an impressive 48 linear feet within the Wellesley Historical Society’s holdings.

Lace occupies a fascinating space, one in the threshold between art and craft, and one often overlooked because of its soft, domestic, and wearable nature. Yet historically, lace was among the most prized luxury goods in Europe and beyond. Before the birth of industrial production, every loop, knot, and stitch was made by hand. Because of the countless hours of labor it required, some of the finest lacework was valued at a price similar to that of fine jewelry. The Oldham collection allows us to see lace as a visual language rather than mere decoration. Floral motifs bloom across delicate grounds. Geometric patterns repeat with mathematical precision. Some pieces appear so airy that they may seem to float; others reveal astonishing structural complexity when examined up close. Whether created through needle lace, bobbin lace, Armenian lace, or machine-made techniques, each sample tells a story about the people who made it and the cultures that shaped its meaning.

Oldham’s dedication as a researcher remains remarkable. Her notebooks and scrapbooks transform the collection from a cabinet of curiosities into a working, breathing archive. They reveal a collector documenting traditions, techniques, and histories. In some ways, Oldham anticipated the work of modern scholars, who now view textiles as important historical documents rather than decorative afterthoughts. The collection also invites us to reconsider what deserves preservation. Museums and historical societies have long celebrated painting, sculpture, and architecture as fine arts. Lace reminds us that artistic achievement may be measured in millimeters as well as monuments. A tiny fragment of thread may contain evidence of trade routes, technological innovation, cultural exchange, and generations of accumulated skill. The Esther Oldham Lace Collection stands as a testament to the power of curiosity. One woman’s passion has become a decadent resource for researchers, artists, and lovers of history alike. It serves as a reminder that some of history’s most extraordinary achievements are woven from the smallest threads.

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Every month, the Wellesley Historical Society highlights an object from its collection. These objects capture Wellesley stories, both those well-known to us and those yet uncovered. Historic artifacts symbolize and convey important narratives, whether that is the hard-working craftsman behind a piece or a written document that shaped the town’s future. As such, the Wellesley Historical Society collections capture the entirety of Wellesley as a town, from significant happenings to sentimental mementos.

This month’s post was written by Annabel Abdelal, Curatorial Intern at the Wellesley Historical Society.

A modern nighttime routine is familiar to most of us: a cotton towel to dry a washed face, a dollop of toothpaste, a carefully detailed pajama set. What is incredible, though, is the difference a century makes in the most ordinary of habits. When we think of the changes in daily life from the 1920s to the 2020s, we think first of the obvious: automobile transformation, civil rights expansion, and (lately!) inflation. Yet some of the most fascinating cultural shifts are reflected in the smallest of objects, even the contents of a toiletry bag.

Let’s consider the toothbrush. In the early twentieth century, toothbrush manufacturers primarily whittled handles from animal bone or wood, while horse or boar hair mostly comprised the bristles. Affordable toothbrush options were imported largely from Japan in massive quantities with little packaging or sanitary precautions. Because of the expensiveness of the materials and product, almost 80% of Americans brushed their teeth with a rag or toothpick instead. In the midst of rising industrialization and market competition, employers began to encourage dental health in hopes of a more healthy and productive workforce. American oral hygiene was transformed later in 1938 with the invention of the modern synthetic nylon technology we know today. Perhaps the most bizarre of the toiletry bag’s contents is the toothbrush’s partner: tooth powder. Composed of ingredients like chalk and baking soda, the abrasive powder was the most common way to brush away stains in the early years of American dental hygiene.

The crochet slippers tell yet another story. Fashion underwent a major transformation during the 1920s. The popularization of comfort led to dramatic changes in trending styles. The rigidity of previous decades gave way to an era that valued relaxation with the rise of loungewear. Slippers became popular after World War I as comfortable indoor footwear; before homes obtained central heating, residents opted for warm, snug alternatives to formal shoes. Their soft construction and practical design reflected the growing preference for garments that emphasized ease of movement and everyday comfort. Crochet slippers, often handmade, highlighted the continued importance of domestic crafts in shaping household life during the decade.

Taken together, these humble items reveal how much a century of change can be hidden in the routines we barely stop to consider. A toothbrush, a container of tooth powder, or a pair of crochet slippers may seem ordinary, yet each reflects larger developments in technology, industry, health, and culture. The transition from handcrafted materials to mass-produced synthetics, from necessity to convenience, from rigidity to comfort, illustrates how Americans’ expectations of daily life evolved. By looking more closely at the contents of a mere toiletry bag, we gain a richer understanding of a world that was both surprisingly familiar and remarkably different from our own.

We encourage you to visit the Wellesley Historical Society at 323 Washington Street to see our new exhibit, “A Time of Revolution,” where you can see this piece of history and many more!

Every month, the Wellesley Historical Society highlights an object from its collection. These objects capture Wellesley stories, both those well-known to us and those yet uncovered. Historic artifacts symbolize and convey important narratives, whether that is the hard-working craftsman behind a piece or a written document that shaped the town’s future. As such, the Wellesley Historical Society collections capture the entirety of Wellesley as a town, from significant happenings to sentimental mementos.

This month’s post was written by Annabel Abdelal, Curatorial Intern at the Wellesley Historical Society.

The Wellesley Historical Society highlights an object from its collection each month for The Swellesley Report. This month’s post was written by Annabel Abdelal, Curatorial Intern at the Wellesley Historical Society.

In an elaborate display of national pride, this striking dress represents a celebration much larger than fashion. Delicate floral fabric, flowing skirt, dramatic shoulder ruffles, and bold bands of red, white, and blue cascade down its front. It is a surviving artifact from the patriotic celebrations of the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth. Preserved nearly a century later, the dress offers a colorful window into how Americans commemorated shared history and national identity.

In 1932, the United States marked the 200th anniversary of Washington’s birth with parades, pageants, exhibitions, concerts, school programs, and civic ceremonies, all of which stretched from the golden coast to the eastern seaboard. Amidst the crippling hardships and uncertainty of the Great Depression, the bicentennial provided an opportunity to find inspiration in the richness of the country’s life and history. Washington occupies a distinct place in the American imagination. He was a symbol of perseverance, leadership, and national unity. Communities large and small organized elaborate celebrations, which often featured historical reenactments and colonial-inspired costumes. Dresses like these were designed to evoke an idealized vision of early America and blend historical references with the fashion sensibilities of the 1930s.

The garment’s soft floral prints recall 18th-century textiles, while the vivid patriotic colors boldly announce its purpose. The piece is both theatrical and sincere as a wearable expression of civic pride and a transformation of history into living experience. The 1932 bicentennial spirit was quite different from that of the nation’s better-known bicentennial celebrations of 1976—the commemoration of 200 years of American independence. The Washington bicentennial emphasized reverence. Americans largely viewed the founding generation through a heroic lens, and public celebrations brought unity and shared ideals to the spotlight. By contrast, the 1976 bicentennial arrived after decades plagued by political upheaval, the Vietnam War, and dramatic social change. Americans still celebrated enthusiastically—with tall ships, fireworks, community festivals, and an explosion of patriotically colored memorabilia—but there was also a greater willingness to examine history from multiple perspectives.

Despite their differences, the anniversaries shared a common purpose: an invitation to reflect on whence we came and where we were headed. Whether through a colonial-inspired dress in 1932 or a bicentennial parade in 1976, ordinary citizens became participants in a national conversation about identity, memory, and belonging. This dress is evidence of how history was interpreted and worn. Its faded fabrics and exuberant colors remind us that every generation finds ways of honoring the past. The outfit tells a vivid story about Washington, the Americans who celebrate him, and the enduring desire to connect with history through celebration, creativity, and community.

Every month, the Wellesley Historical Society highlights an object from its collection. These objects capture Wellesley stories, both those well-known to us and those yet uncovered. Historic artifacts symbolize and convey important narratives, whether that is the hard-working craftsman behind a piece or a written document that shaped the town’s future. As such, the Wellesley Historical Society collections capture the entirety of Wellesley as a town, from significant happenings to sentimental mementos.

This month’s post was written by Annabel Abdelal, Curatorial Intern at the Wellesley Historical Society.