An NCA gathering in the early days
By Pam Markel
Did you know that over the last 100 years various people have collected and preserved the history of the National Costumers Association?
A few special members, who understood the importance of documenting the association’s history, have done a wonderful job in ensuring this process was carried forward and safely preserved.
Prior to the 1950s, there was no official historian for the NCA. Records were kept by the Secretary/ Treasurer and by the Editor of the magazine.
In 1932, a fire destroyed the Salt Lake Costume Company owned by the Secretary/Treasurer John Hansen, who held that post from 1923-1935. All early NCA records were lost, except those kept by individual members for their own use.
C. Lester Essig was the first official historian appointed during the 1950s. In his biography, “Art” stated that he too had attended the 1923 founders event as a mere 20-year-old, though the directors gave him the silent treatment. Art continued the tradition of using his own collection and memories to preserve our past.
William Zauder, Ideal Wig, N.Y. held the post from 1969-1972. He and his family have donated several of the oldest historic photos in our collection.
Diane and Mary Lou Landes served as Historians from 1972-1975, continuing in their father’s tradition. In 1973, Editor Virginia Gersney, Krause Costume Co. Cleveland Ohio, worked with Art and the Landeses to produce a written history of the first 50 years and all the past presidents for the 50th anniversary of the Association.
Mrs. Margaret Palmer, Indianapolis Costume Company, held the Historian’s post from 1975-1997, and purchased the first fire proof filing cabinets to preserve our history.
Fires at Landes Costume Company in 1978 and Krause Costume Company in 1989 further depleted historic sources and Margaret decided to take no chances. Indianapolis Costumes had been a charter member company and she strongly felt the historic connection. She began to actively solicit memorabilia including magazines, newsletters, convention and area meeting rosters, photos, and anything else she could find related to the NCA. Margaret sorted and organized much of the early material we have today.
Mary Lou Landes Schultz was again Historian from 1997-2000 and began compiling much of our photographic history, especially of all our past presidents.
In 2000, Rachel Godollei Johnson, Landes Costumes by Rachel, accepted the position and began the process of compiling a more concise history in book form. She made trips to the Schultz’s, the Palmers and the Kern’s in Ohio (to collect materials compiled by Secretary/ Treasurer La Mar Kerns, Costume Holiday House) and then placed all the materials in one concrete room, in four fireproof cabinets, two regular file cabinets and 14 banker boxes. Rachel continued to receive donations from members in the USA, Great Britain, and Canada.
In 2022, I assumed the responsibilities of collecting and organizing the 100 years of significant milestones and memories. I am awed at the rich history and dedication of our members dating back from 1923 to present.
Now that the 100th Birthday of the National Costumers Association is upon us and as we prepare for the birthday celebration in Indianapolis, Indiana (August 4th- 6th) we encourage members to e-mail any pictures, memories, or other significant pieces of history to docmarkel@aol.com.
Thank you to our valued members who played a role in making the National Costumers Association what is it today 100 years later!
Cheers to 100 years !
Pam Markel
NCA President