A grainy photo of Lester Essig, second president of the NCA. An interesting historical sidenote: Look at what it says under the masthead: United States, Canada, England, Ireland.
Editor's Note: NCA President Pam Markel has been investigating the association's history in anticipation of our 100th Birthday Bash in August in Indianapolis. Here is what she learned about the NCA's second president.
By Pam Markel
Lester E. Essig, the second President of the National Costumers Association, was known as the “NCA Roman Warrior” for three decades. He served the organization as President from 1926-1928. During the 1926 convention, Lester encouraged the association to publish a magazine. The magazine was born under his direction and effort. It was described as a “fine publication, with artwork, good paper, artistic format and much writing by Lester, developing the concept of the costumer as an artistic business man.”
Mr. Essig was alive with ideas and suggestions. He established a permanent reference library, doubled the membership, solicited and received hundreds of articles from authorities all over the country for the magazine publication. He gave radio talks on costuming and wrote syndicated articles on costume arts.
Mr. Essig served 25 years as Executive Secretary-Treasurer, putting the entire resources of his Chicago based company, Lester LTD., at the disposal of the National Costumers Association. When he completed his third term as President, the Officers, and members of the NCA presented him with a silver plaque 36’ x 48”! Engraved on the silver shield are these words, “A Master Artist, Costumer, Designer, Creator, Builder, Originator in the cause of better costuming and costuming conditions.”
August 17, 1960, Lester Clay Essig, SR. was elected Secretary’-Treasurer Emeritus, with full voting power and exempt from dues in the National Costumers Association for the rest of his life. A distinguished honor bestowed upon a deeply respected gentleman.
This plaque will be on display at the 100th Birthday Party in Indianapolis, Indiana on August 4-6th, 2023. It is a bit worn, but such a rich piece of National Costumers history. Speaking of that event, have you registered yet? Click here for details!