BRATTLEBORO — The elegant a cappella vocal duo The Proper Ladies, Anabel Graetz and Deborah Goss, recall autumns of long ago with a program of songs and readings for a prelude to the winter season on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 4 p.m., at the First Congregational Church, 880 Western Ave.
The concert is a benefit for the church; admission is by donation. Refreshments follow the one-hour program.
In the 19th century, autumn in New England was one of the busiest times of the year. As the harvest ended, people prepared for the winter ahead, and for the biggest holiday of the year: Thanksgiving. In 1865, Thanksgiving was a very special day. It was a celebration of the end of the great Civil War.
Visitors can take a peek at the world of a typical 19th century housewife and join the tuneful and familiar choruses that connect us with 19th century New England.
Dressed in period costumes, The Proper Ladies will present songs, poetry, recipes, and reminiscences, along with rarely heard gems of the early American pop music industry – including a song about the Belchertown (Mass.) Fair.
Henry Clay Work's perennial favorite, “My Grandfather's Clock,” will be included in the program, as well as “When I Saw Sweet Nellie Home (a.k.a., Aunt Dinah's Quilting Party),” along with many of the fine parlor songs and early popular tunes this duo has brought back to life.
They will share recipes from Godey's Lady's Book, from 1865. All are invited to bring an old recipe to share; the older, the better.