Liam Essig, Shauna Essig and Ashlyn Essig with the Harrelson Award plaque presented to Lester Essig, Liam's great grandfather.
History was in the focus all weekend at the NCA's 100th Birthday Bash, so it was wonderful that the family of one of the association's co-founders, Lester Essig, could join us on Saturday night. To honor their visit, the Harrelson Award plaque that has been in storage for decades was presented to the family, which included Liam Essig, who is Lester's great grandson; Shauna Essig, Liam's mother; and Ashlyn Essig, Liam's niece.
The idea of presenting the plaque to the Essig family began when we published an article about Lester on the NCA website (click here to read that article), and Liam, who is studying his family's history, saw it. He commented under the article, and that led to the invitation to our event.
The plaque was in rough shape after so many years in storage, but Eric Carlson, a friend of NCA President Pam Markel, restored it.
Here is the text of the presentation Markel read when she gave the plaque to the Essigs:
"Your great grandfather dedicated a large part of his life to the National Costumers Association. It is because of his passion and creative ingenuity that this organization has grown beyond what he and the founders ever imagined. This plaque was presented to him in 1926 by his peers who recognized his talent and dedication. It gives me great pleasure to present it to your family."