Greenbrier Brides: A romantic step back in time

PRESS RELEASE

The Greenbrier Historical Society Celebrates the Stories, Style, and Legacy of Women Across the Region

Lewisburg, W.Va. — The Greenbrier Historical Society invites the community to experience Greenbrier Brides: A Romantic Step Back in Time, a special seasonal exhibit showcasing the gowns of Greenbrier County and honoring the women who wore them.

Opening June 12 at the North House Museum, this heartfelt exhibit offers visitors the opportunity to step into the romance of another era through an extraordinary collection of wedding gowns, accessories, photographs, and heirloom pieces that reflect the lives and legacies of women whose stories helped shape our region.

An evening reception will be held on Friday, June 12, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., followed by an exhibit celebration on Saturday, June 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The exhibit will remain on display through July 19.

Among the featured gowns is that of Katherine Johnson, born Creola Katherine Coleman in White Sulphur Springs in 1918. Johnson married James “Jim” Johnson in Hampton, Virginia, in 1959. A brilliant mathematician whose calculations became critical to NASA’s success during the Space Race, her remarkable life and career were later celebrated in the film Hidden Figures. 

Visitors can also explore the story behind the gown worn by Jane Matheny, who attended the Greenbrier College for Women from 1967 to 1969, and was crowned the 1968 May Queen at the former college, whose historic campus is now home to parts of Carnegie Hall and New River Community and Technical College. At the time, the North House served as a residence for female faculty members, including Helen Holt and Yvette Prevost Yarid.

Also featured is the gown of Lula Louise McCue, née Dickson, who married William Hamilton McCue in Monroe County in 1890.. Her family connections remain intertwined with local history through her nephew, William Mason Dixon, who married Page Myers Dickson, a posthumous benefactor of the Greenbrier Historical Society.

The exhibit will additionally highlight the wedding dress, hats, and hat box of Dora Yarid, née Hanna, of Lewisburg’s Yarid’s Boutique, first opened with her husband Samuel in 1918. Long remembered as a fixture of downtown Lewisburg fashion and elegance, her collection offers a glimpse into the enduring style and spirit of the era.

Another featured gown belonged to Miriam “Mimsie” Delloqui, née Bellinger, who married Valentine Delloqui Jr. in October 1958 at St. John the Evangelist Church in Sweet Springs. After settling in Lewisburg, Mimsie became widely known for her dedication to community service, her support of the arts, and her involvement with the Lewisburg Garden Club. She and Valentine raised five children together, and her memory remains cherished by many throughout the community.

Many additional dresses, accessories, and personal items belonging to beloved and well-known women from across the region will also be included in the exhibit, creating a rich tapestry of local history told through fashion, family, and memory.

A select pairing of gowns will also be featured at the Greenbrier Valley Visitors Center, highlighting dresses worn by Cathy Rennard, CEO of Carnegie Hall, and Adrienne Belafonte-Biesemeyer, Executive Director of the Anir Foundation and Lewisburg resident. 

Guests can enjoy live music throughout the weekend, with performances Friday evening by The Tavern Dwellers from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday afternoon music from Leah and Roger Trent from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wedding cakes will be provided by Amy’s on Friday evening and Walmart on Saturday.

Beginning in early June, a special raffle item sponsored by Bella’s will be on display at the Greenbrier Valley Visitors Center, where visitors may view it while tickets are available for purchase at the North House Museum.

On Saturday, June 13, the raffle item will then be moved to the North House Museum, where ticket sales will continue and the drawing will take place at 4:00 p.m. 

The Greenbrier Historical Society extends heartfelt thanks to Cybele Atelier, Greenbrier Historical Society Treasurer Melanie Zopp, Adrienne Belafonte Biesemeyer and Alderson Artisans Gallery, and Greenbrier Valley Theatre for generously providing mannequins for the exhibit,

Saturday’s programming is presented in partnership with the Greenbrier Valley Home and Gardens Tour and the Greenbrier Valley Airport Wings and Wheels Car Show and Fly-In, creating a full day of events celebrating history, beauty, and community across the region.

The 40th Annual Home and Garden Tour takes place Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering guests the opportunity to explore some of the area’s most beautiful gardens and historic homes in Lewisburg and White Sulphur Springs. More information is available at https://greenbriervalleyhomeandgardentour.com and on their Facebook page. 

The Greenbrier Valley Airport Wings and Wheels Car Show and Fly-In will Run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Saturday also, featuring aircraft, classic cars, and family-friendly activities. More details can be found on the Greenbrier Valley Airport-LWB Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GreenbrierValleyAirport. 

With so much happening across the valley, visitors are encouraged to enjoy multiple events throughout the day and take part in a true celebration of local history, hospitality, and community spirit. The North House Museum will also be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the celebration and opening of Greenbrier Brides: A Romantic Step Back in Time.  

Greenbrier Brides: A Romantic Step Back in Time is more than a display of historic fashion. It is a celebration of the women, families, traditions, and stories that continue to define our region. The community is warmly invited to attend and experience this memorable journey through love, heritage, and local history.For additional information and exhibit updates, follow the Greenbrier Historical Society on Facebook (@greenbrierhistorical) and Instagram (@greenbrierhistoricalsociety), visit greenbrierhistorical.org, or call (304) 645-3398.