Downton Abbey may be finished for another season, but fans of the PBS show have an opportunity to see some of the wonderful fashions featured in the first four seasons of the popular period drama. Merrill Historical Society is sponsoring a bus trip to the Paine Art Center and Gardens in Oshkosh to see “Dressing Downton: Changing Fashion for Changing Times” on Monday, June 29. The bus leaves the History & Culture Center parking lot, 100 E. Third St., at 7:30 a.m. for our drive to Oshkosh. Of course we’ll be watching Downton Abbey on the way because we’ll want to be able to recognize some of the 36 stunning period costumes that make up the exhibit.
Our tour includes a one-hour docent-led walk through the Paine mansion, inspired by English country estates and designed by architect Bryant Fleming, plus a docent-led walk through the nineteen garden spaces that surround the mansion. There will be plenty of time to return to the Downton fashions for a closer look.
We have reserved space at Fratello’s, a nearby (one block walk) restaurant right on the Fox River for you to enjoy lunch on your own. The ticket price of $40 includes your coach bus trip plus admission to the Paine Art Center and Gardens and the Downton Abbey exhibit. Lunch is on your own. The bus seats 42 people.
Reserve and pay for your seat on the tour at the Merrill Historical Society Office, 100 E. Third Street, Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m to 1 p.m. You can also sign up using the Society’s website, www.merrillhistory.org.
The Merrill Historical Society’s mission is to educate the public about our heritage using the unique historical and cultural resources we collect and preserve. For further information on the programs and activities of the Merrill Historical Society, or to become a member, please contact the Society at 715-536-5652 or [email protected], or see the website at www.merrillhistory.org.