Peek at Dangberg's fashionable past

Visitors to the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park have one more opportunity today for a glimpse at the Douglas County pioneer family's fashionable past.

Items from the family's 19th and 20th century clothing, jewelry and accessories are on display from 1 to 5 p.m. today at the ranch, 1450 Highway 88, Minden.

Items include clothing from the 1890s through the 1960s. Highlights include the wedding gown worn by Gertrude Dangberg in 1898, a ball gown she wore to Carson City parties in 1903, and Henry Fred Dangberg Jr.'s tuxedos from the first decades of the 20th century.

Children's clothing from the early 1900s will be displayed, including a pair of bib overalls from the 1890s that are the oldest Levi's known to exist in Nevada. Beaded dresses from the 1920s, evening gowns from the 1930s, and casual dresses in a variety of styles from the 1930s through the 1950s will also be shown. Selections from the park's collection of jewelry, shoes, hats, gloves, and purses will round out the exhibit.

The Dangbergs shopped for their wardrobes in at the finest stores in San Francisco and New York.

"The park's collection of clothing is quite diverse, spanning four generations of the family, and our staff and volunteers are excited to show them off," said Park Interpreter Mark Jensen. "I think visitors will be impressed with the items we've selected for the exhibit, particularly the gowns, dresses and tuxedos. Our collection of hats alone is worth coming to see."

The exhibit is from 1-5 p.m. today. Admission is $3 for adults, and free for children 12 and under.

Visitors should dress in warm clothing. Information regarding the location of the park can be found at parks.nv.gov/hr.htm, or by calling 775-783-9417.

The park's regular tours will not be offered during the exhibit.

The Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park is operated by the Nevada Division of State Parks in collaboration with Douglas County.