The Conrads at Play — historical athletic fashion on display at the mansion

A historical clothing exhibit, titled “Conrads at Play: Dress for Sports and Recreation” is on display at the Conrad Mansion.

Tours educating the public about period clothing from the 1880s to 1960s will be led by volunteer textiles curator Teresa Knutson June through October on the last Thursday of each month. The exhibit includes examples of men’s and women’s clothing worn for croquet, bicycling, tennis, golf, horseback riding, swimming, and snow sports

By the time the Conrad family moved into the mansion, recreational activities and sports were a popular way for people to spend leisure time. Prior to the 1880s, Puritanism meant any spare time for most people was spent in pious activities, with the exception of the upper classes who were afforded with an abundance of free time to participate in leisure activities.

Several factors sparked the rise of leisure activities, according to a press release from Conrad Mansion such as a belief that middle-class desk work was making men weak, with sports thought to be a means of self-development; better pay and shorter work weeks, along with the weakening of Puritanism, meant more people could participate in recreational activities; and popular activities, such as croquet, skating, bicycling, and tennis provided a venue for young men and women to court.

Unlike the modern day, where people wear specialized clothing and shoes, most people of the past wore everyday clothing for sports activities up to the 1920s.

Even with changes to the clothing people wore during athletics, it remained relatively restrictive for women, who were also pressured to remain “ladylike.” Yet, as sports became widespread and more women began to compete, less restrictive clothing for women became more acceptable, including wearing pants.

Tickets are $25 and may be purchased by calling 755-2166.