Yesteryear Costume Gallery: In the Mid North region of South Australia

One of the joys of travelling though the South Australian bush is the ever-present sense of mystery and discovery. After all, you never know what you may find. Tucked away in the back streets of the mid-north town of Orroroo is a reminder of more genteel pursuits like afternoon teas, the town hall dance and soirees on the neighbour's verandah.

At Orroroo's Yesteryear Costume Gallery, long time local Beth Catford has gathered one of the most impressive fashion collections in the State. From a day at the beach to a day at the altar... According to Beth white wedding dresses are a relatively recent phenomenon as she showed us one dating back to 1880.

A bride who certainly had no doubts about the passionate commitment of her groom wore it.

"I've got over a hundred and forty love letters written from him to her…" said Beth.

Back in the 1880s the white wedding dress was for the well-to-do bride who could afford a special one-off garment for that big day. But many in Beth's collection come from more austere and frugal times like a black dress.

"Anything I have had to do with black wedding dresses come from German or Lutheran descendants," said Beth. "There's no real significance in the colour but black is good because they can tizzy it up for their wedding and remove the bits and pieces and use it for everyday use afterwards."

Beth inherited many of the exquisite pieces from her late aunt, Theresa Innes who staged fundraising fashion parades across the State during World War Two. Some had been stored in wheat bags and wooden crates on farmers' properties for decades. Later, committed collectors like Beth and her aunt brought them to life.

From bust improvers to hip enhancers the collection is proof that at some point, we've all been slaves to fashion.

The Yesteryear Costume Gallery is in Second Street, Orroroo. It's open by appointment. To book contact Beth Catford on 8658 1032.

Yesteryear Costume Gallery
Second Street
Orroroo
Open by appointment
Ph (08) 8658 1032