The Parma Hilton Historical Society is holding its next monthly program on Monday, December 9, at 7 p.m., at the Hilton Community Center, 59 Henry Street. Susan Hall Doran will lead a presentation on Victorian Hair Wreaths. Doran is the daughter of Ann Pfarrer Hall and the niece of Mary Tilebien, both well-known persons in the Hilton community. Susan grew up in Hilton and lived in Pittsford but now resides in Angelica, NY.
About ten years ago, Susan visited a woman in Missouri who was reputed to be the last person in the country who maintained the special skill of making Hair Wreaths. These are made from human hair, shaped into flowers and leaves, and then arranged into wreaths. It is an early Victorian art form used from the 1840s through the Civil War to remember deceased family members and friends before photography was common.
Susan recently gave a presentation at Genesee Country Village & Museum, and before that, some of her work was on display at the Memorial Art Gallery.
Susan is gaining a great following among artists and historians as she revives this almost lost art form in the country – and she grew up in Hilton.
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