An Andover woman’s apron collection will be featured during the 175th anniversary festival.
More than 75 aprons will be on display from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 5, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 6, in the Andover American Legion.
Selected from the collection of 200 aprons assembled by the late Karen Anderson, the display will include aprons from the turn of the century, Swedish aprons, feed sack aprons, and gingham and lace aprons, as well as special aprons that transform into bonnets.
Special presentations will be at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on both days.
The collection was featured on “Paula Sands Live” at 4:30 p.m. Monday, May 10, on KWQC-TV.
Melinda Anderson, daughter of Karen Anderson, displayed several of her mother’s favorite aprons and talked to the TV audience about the memories each apron carries for her family.
During the display in Andover, Melinda and her aunt, Marlowe McSparin, will discuss why the aprons meant so much to Karen.
According to the daughter, her mother began collecting aprons as a hobby. She purchased some at the Mariman auctions in Geneseo, and family members and friends gave her others as gifts.
“Mom collected over 500 aprons dating back to the late 1800’s,” Melinda said. There are Swedish aprons, “pin on” aprons, and even curtain kitchens.
“She had aprons from about every era that women wore them,” added Melinda.
For many years, Karen Anderson traveled around Iowa and Illinois to speak to extension groups, church organizations and senior centers about aprons. They stood for values and traditions from a more gentle period of time. They were worn with love for a family and were used to dry tears and wipe faces.
