We are wrapping up the Fall season and looking forward to planning more death and mourning related events in 2019. Our regular Fall events are already on the calendar but if there is enough interest we may add a few events earlier in the year. We'll also be helping celebrate the Centennial of women gaining the right to vote in Missouri at a few special events in the spring.
You can see our 1918 women's suffrage unit, The St Louis Suffrage Society, in the St Louis Veterans Day Parade on November 10 in downtown St Louis!
Starting in 2019 we'll be discussing more meet-ups and member events so stay tuned for more news!
October Updates!
We had a wonderful event this past Saturday at Bellefontaine Cemetery and even got into the Post Dispatch. How exciting! If you couldn’t join us this year for our annual cemetery walk and funeral reenactment, Consolations of Memory at Bellefontaine Cemetery, don’t worry! We have another event coming up in a few weeks at the Campbell House Museum on Friday October 26th.
Campbell House by Candlelight is a special evening tour of the museum where you’ll experience Robert Campbell's 1879 wake in the parlor and hear about the process of preparing the deceased for the funeral, Victorian mourning etiquette, dress, and cemeteries. There will be several unique original objects on display: antique coffins, post-mortem photographs, funeral ephemera, mourning and sentimental jewelry and more! Get your tickets here before they sell out.
In the meantime make sure to play along with our online Cemetery Scavenger Hunt. We still have three more weeks of posts to go before we finish up right before Halloween.
We now have an online sign-up for email updates about what we have coming up!
2018 Fall Events
It's that time of year again when we turn our thoughts into doleful channels for for “Who breathes must suffer, and who thinks must mourn,"
Consolations of Memory - Saturday October 6, 2018
Our fourth annual 19th century funeral tour will take place at Bellefontaine Cemetery on Saturday October 6th, 2018. This is a guided cemetery walk of the area surrounding Hotchkiss Chapel. During the tour guests will learn about funeral and burial practices, how the dead were remembered and the lives of those left behind to mourn the loss. The tour is followed immediately by a funeral reenactment, procession and burial service.
This year's event will focus on the Cholera Epidemic that plagued St. Louis in August and September of 1866 taking 3257 lives.
Tours take place at 10:00 am, 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm. Space is limited so please register for this free event.
Campbell House by Candlelight - Friday October 26, 2018
Tom and Dan will be talking about the Campbell family plot at Bellefontaine Cemetery
We are so honored to be a part of this year's Campbell House by Candlelight Tour on Friday Oct 26th, 2018.
Enjoy a night at the Campbell House while you learn about Victorian mourning etiquette, dress, and cemeteries at the time. Witness Robert Campbell's 1879 wake in the parlor and about the process of preparing the deceased for the funeral. Don't forget to try some funeral biscuits!
Tours start every 30 minutes from 6pm to 8pm.
Reservations required. $15 per person, $5 for members. Click here to choose your tour time and buy your tickets
3 Missouri Suffrage Facts
...you may have never heard before.
Gov. Gardner of Missouri signing resolution ratifying amendment to U.S. Constitution, Library of Congress
The Women’s Suffrage Association of Missouri was created on May 8, 1867 by ladies who had learned the ropes of managing an organization through their involvement with the Ladies Union Aid Society during the Civil War.
The Equal Suffrage League of St Louis was founded on April 10, 1910 following renewed interest in the cause. They were responsible for some of the largest organized protests in St Louis including National Suffrage Day in April 1914 and the Golden Lane Protest in June 1916.
On July 3, 1919 Missouri became the eleventh state to ratify the Susan B Anthony Amendment granting women the right to vote. It was one of the US states that did so within the first month after Congress passed the Amendment and had passed it's own state level suffrage bill earlier that March. The state bill was passed on the last day of the Jubilee Convention of the National American Women Suffrage Association, which was being held at the Hotel Statler in St Louis, Missouri.
Find out even more about the women's suffrage movement at our next event To Ask for Freedom at Bellefontaine Cemetery on July 14, 2018 at 2:00 pm.
We are looking for more suffragists and suffra-gents to march with us at events throughout 2018-2020. Sign-up online for our e-newsletter and get an invitation to our private Facebook Group or reach out to us if you have any questions.
Dress Like a Suffragist!
Women's Suffrage group at headquarters, Wash DC, 1917
Are you interested in dressing like a suffragist and marching with us in the upcoming 19th Amendment Centennial Celebrations? If you haven't delved into historic clothing before, the late Edwardian Era is an easy place to start. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
Round brimmed hats with simple trim were common.
Blouses had long or 3/4 length sleeves and wide collars. Shawl and sailor collars were popular.
Ladies wore ankle length a-line style skirts with stockings.
When walking outdoors a lady would wear walking boots. For our purposes a pair of plain comfortable flats will do.
Ladies wore very little jewelry due to funds being put toward the war effort. Simple brooches and costume jewelry became fashionable.
Hair was styled into a loose low bun.
For cooler weather events ladies would wear long belted wool coats often with fur accessories (faux fur is recommend) including muffs and stoles
There are many photos online of ladies in 1918-1920 and beautiful fashion plates- just remember marching clothing was practical and comfortable!
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, 1921 / Women's Suffrage Group at Headquarters, Wash DC, 1918
We are planning meetings throughout the year for ladies and gentleman interested in participating in upcoming Women's Suffrage Centennial Events. For more in depth clothing / fashion guides, email updates and more information about local meet-ups sign up for the Mourning Society: St Louis Suffrage League
Don't miss out on our next event (as either a participant or a spectator) To Ask For Freedom at Bellefontaine Cemetery on Saturday July 14, 2018 at 2pm. Activities will include a march, the singing of suffrage songs and a rally celebrating the words of famous St Louis Suffrage leaders such as Virginia Minor, the first president of the Woman's Suffrage Association of Missouri, Edna Gellhorn, organizer of the 1916 Golden Lane Protest, and Florence Wyman Richardson, the first president of the St. Louis Equal Suffrage League. This event is free and open to the public but registration is required - We will update this event with a link once registration is open.
We need you!
Help celebrate the centennial of the key years of the Women's Suffrage Movement from 1918 to 1920 with us! We are looking for ladies and gentleman to participate in living history events over the next few years culminating in the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment.
If you are interested in historic clothing, the early 20th century is an easy and inexpensive place to start plus you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the national fight for the right to vote and the women of Missouri who led the way! You can learn more about the movement and the fashions of 1918 at our next event:
WWI, Wilson and Women's Suffrage at Jefferson Barracks - While the United States was entrenched in WWI, women waged their own war at home marching for the right to vote! Learn how St. Louis women were involved in this struggle, and how you can put together an era- appropriate outfit to join in upcoming events as we forge ahead to 2020 and the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment.
Free to the public - Join this event on Facebook
So, what does this have to do with mourning? Nothing at all! The Mourning Society started recruiting ladies to interpret the St Louis Golden Lane Protest of 1916 for Bellefontaine Cemetery's 2016 Decoration Day Event. We had a great response and it was so much fun that we decided to look for more events we could participate in. It also gives us a chance to do something outside of our usual busy season in the fall.
The Mourning Society has participated in Bellefontaine Cemetery's 2016 Decoration Day, The League of Women Voters Celebrate the Vote and we've created our own program To Ask For Freedom: 100 Years of Women's Suffrage celebrating the words of famous St Louis Suffrage leaders such as Edna Gellhorn, organizer of the 1916 Golden Lane Protest, and Florence Wyman Richardson, the first president of the St. Louis Equal Suffrage League.
If you would like us to participate in an upcoming event you can contact us here or through our Facebook Page.
Fall Events 2017
October 7, 2017 - Consolations of Memory at Bellefontaine Cemetery
This event is a guided cemetery walk of the area surrounding Hotchkiss Chapel. Along the way guests will learn about mourning practices and funerary customs of the mid-19th century. .
This is a free event but registration is required because space is limited - Register Here.
Follow this event on Facebook!
October 14, 2017 - A Haunting Stroll of 'TBA'
We are still in the process of working out the details of this secret event. Make sure to check back here for updates! Join us for this special walking tour and learn about the ghastly events and ghostly encounters that make this St Louis' most notoriously haunted neighborhood. Tours will be led by our members in historical clothing.
Tours will be held on the hour starting at noon and should take about 45 minutes. The price is $10 per person.
Follow us on Facebook for event news and updates!
November 11, 2017 - To Ask for Freedom: 100 Years of Women's Suffrage
Join us for this living history event celebrating the Women's Suffrage Movement and the Suffragists of Bellefontaine Cemetery! The ladies will begin their march at 2:00 pm and make their way to Wild Wood Valley for a rally celebrating the words of famous St Louis Suffrage leaders such as Edna Gellhorn, organizer of the 1916 Golden Lane Protest, and Florence Wyman Richardson, the first president of the St. Louis Equal Suffrage League.
This event is taking place in honor of the release of the suffrage prisoners held in a District of Columbia workhouse in November 1917 and their continued efforts to fight for the right to vote.
After the rally, guests are free to visit with the ladies of the St Louis Suffrage Movement and learn more about national events 100 years ago.
Join the Suffrage Cause!
The Mourning Society of St Louis is participating in To Ask For Freedom: The Fight for Women’s Suffrage on Saturday July 1 at 10AM at Bellefontaine Cemetery!
We are looking for like-minded ladies and gentleman who would like to dress in 1917 attire and march with us to celebrate 100 years of the Women’s Suffrage Movement and the Suffragists of Bellefontaine Cemetery.
It is astonishingly easy to put together a 1917 style outfit from things found in vintage shops, thrift stores or even items you may already have in your closet! This is also a great way to get started if you are interested in historic clothing and reenacting without making a big investment.
This is the first of what we hope will be a series of Women’s Suffrage events culminating in a Centennial Celebration of the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 2020.
To register for this event as a participant and find out more about putting together a 1917 ensemble please Contact Us.
If you are interested in attending this event as a spectator click here to register for this free event!
Upcoming Event! To Ask For Freedom
Photo from the Library of Congress
Ask For Freedom: The Fight For Women's Suffrage - Saturday July 1
Join us for this living history event celebrating the Women's Suffrage Movement and the Suffragists of Bellefontaine Cemetery! The ladies will begin their march at 10:00 am and make their way to Wild Wood Valley for a rally celebrating the words of famous St Louis Suffrage leaders such as Edna Gellhorn, organizer of the 1916 Golden Lane Protest, and Florence Wyman Richardson, the first president of the St. Louis Equal Suffrage League.
After the rally, guests are free to visit with the ladies of the St Louis Suffrage Movement and learn more about national events 100 years ago.
Space is limited and reservations are required. To assist with traffic and parking at the event space, we ask that you choose between two arrival times – 9:30 AM or 10:00 AM. Click here to register.
Enlist Now!
We are recruiting like-minded suffragists to march with us during this 1917 interpretation. To sign-up as a participant or if you have questions about getting started wearing historic clothing please reach out to us though our Contact page.
Suffragists Needed!
The Mourning Society of St Louis is participating in the Celebrate the Vote Festival on September 3, 2016 and we are looking for fellow suffragists who would like to join us dressed in 1916 attire to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the Golden Lane Protest here in St. Louis.
It is astonishingly easy to put together a 1916 style outfit from things found in local vintage shops, thrift stores, or even items you may already have in your closet.
This is a good introduction into historic clothing for anyone who is interested but not ready to make a big commitment. We can help with any questions you may have.
Just like the 1916 protest, suffragists should wear white or cream 1916 era clothing. Ladies should wear a hat, gloves and stockings. We are already scandalizing everyone by asking to vote - so please cover your head or you may end up getting arrested! Shoes can be either period appropriate styles or plain modern flats.
The ladies of the Golden Lane carried yellow parasols. This is optional of course but who doesn’t like carrying a parasol?
Want to sign up to join us the day of the event or have a bunch of questions? Contact us here.
For ideas and inspiration check out our 1916 Golden Lane Pinterest Board
For more information about the Celebrate the Vote Festival click here
In Mourning
Have you ever been interested in becoming a living historian but you weren't sure where to start? This is the first installment in a series of lectures and classes to set you on the right path. In this lecture you'll learn all of the basics for Civil War Era Mourning and Civilian wear. This is an essential start for anyone interested in participating in our October Event Consolations of memory on October 1, 2016 but it is open to anyone who has a interest in the subject - not just our potential participants. This is a free event!
We'll also have information about how to sign up for re-enactment opportunities with the Mourning Society of St Louis and Friends of Jefferson Barracks.
About our new event
Whether you’ve been to one of our past events at the Chatillon DeMenil Mansion or you’ve never been to one of our events before Consolations of Memory will be a new experience. Here is an overview of how the event will work:
Upon entering the front gate of the cemetery guests will be led by signage to the visitor parking area. From there it’s a short walk to your first stop where you can sign in, pick up a program and ask any questions you may have before you make your way to the first graveside exhibit at the site of Bellefontaine’s first burial, Edward Rutledge.
Guests can set their own pace as they make their way up Balm, visiting several other graveside exhibits along the way, until they reach Hotchkiss Chapel. There you’ll find Mr. Avery preparing for the funeral service. Inside the chapel columbarium you’ll learn about mourning customs and also get a chance to see our special exhibit Memento Mori featuring 19th Century mementos such has hair-work wreaths and jewelry, postmortem photographs and more.
Leaving the Chapel guests will find more outside exhibits by heading down an old carriage path just across from the Chapel entrance.
The Funeral Service will begin at 11 am, 1 pm or 3 pm (depending on the start time of your tour) and will be announced several minutes before-hand so guests have time to make their way to the Chapel. The service will be immediately followed by a procession down the carriage path to the burial site.
You can find an interactive map of Bellefontaine Cemetery here on their website.
Consolations of Memory is free event but you must register to attend and space is limited. Please let us know you’d like to join us by registering for this event online.
Still have questions? Contact us!
Our first event at Bellefontaine Cemetery
We are so honored and excited to be holding our first ever event at the amazing Bellefontaine Cemetery.
The Mourning Society of St Louis presents: Consolations of Memory: Death and Mourning in the Nineteenth Century At Bellefontaine Cemetery Saturday October 3, 2015
You can register for this event on the Bellefontaine Cemetery website here.
Keep up with news about this event on Facebook here.
Consolations of Memory is a self-guided cemetery walk of the area surrounding Hotchkiss Chapel as well as the Chapel itself. Along the way guests will learn not only about mourning customs of the 19th century but also illness, medical treatments, funerary and burial practices, cemetery iconography and more. This is a free event but registration is required. Tours begin at 10am, 12pm and 2pm.
Special Exhibits for 2015 include:
The Funeral Service: Guests are invited to experience a 19th Century funeral service in the Chapel followed by a procession down the old carriage path where Mr. Avery will conduct the Burial Service. Services will take place at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
Memento Mori: Learn about Victorian mementos and sentimental items, how they served as part of the grieving process and stood as a reminder of one’s own mortality. This exhibit features a private collection of hair-work wreaths and jewelry, post-mortem photographs and many more unique items.