Local 4-Hers compete in district clothing show

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 6 June 2016 at 12:00 am

Orleans County 4-H member Lauren Becht (standing back to camera) models her satin prom dress. The halter-style dress featured a sheer overlay of light purple fabric.

NEWFANE – Orleans County was represented at the 2016 Western District 4-H Fashion Revue held Saturday at the Van Horn Mansion in Newfane, Niagara County.

Emma Mathes, Naomi Haberger, Lauren Becht and Peggy-Jo Gabalski were selected for the annual district event following the Orleans County 4-H Clothing Revue held in early April.

Emma Mathes sewed a brocade cobalt blue skater dress, Naomi Haberger sewed a purple print sundress with pockets edged in large white ric rack, Lauren Becht sewed a deep purple satin prom dress and Peggyy-Jo Gabalski embellished a purchased cotton/wool blend sweater with hand-felted Easter egg designs.

Participants in the 2016 Western District 4-H Fashion Review pose Saturday on the staircase of the historic Van Horn Mansion in Newfane, Niagara County.

Orleans County 4-H member Naomi Haberger (standing at center) models her purple print sundress Saturday during the Western District 4-H Fashion Revue in Niagara County.

4-H’ers from Niagara, Chautauqua and Wyoming counties also attended the event which included a Fashion Revue Show, lunch, and an educational program on the historic Van Horn Mansion, built by James Van Horn in 1823.

The historic Van Horn Mansion in Newfane, Niagara County, was the site of this year’s Western District 4-H Fashion Revue. Four Orleans County 4-Hers were chosen to take part.

The home was the first brick house built in the Town of Newfane and the site of the first town meeting in 1824.

Van Horn built the first grist mill in Niagara County and later a woolen factory. The home was donated to the Town of Newfane Historical Society in 1985 and opened for tours in 1992 following an extensive restoration effort.

Following lunch, participants learned about the history of the Van Horn Mansion from a member of the Town of Newfane Historical Society and toured the restored home and gardens.