June 24 at 3 PM; Free & Open to Public
Preservationist Helen Gage of the Bethel House Bahamian-American Museum will be at East Ridge at Cutler Bay on Wednesday, June 24 at 3 p.m. She will share her collection of folk art aprons and talk about the history of aprons and the Bethel House in Perrine. The public is invited to attend this free presentation.
Known as the “Apron Lady”, Gage began collecting in the late 70’s. Her collection has grown through acquisitions from yard sales and church bazaars, thrift stores as well as gifts from friends and families.
“I may spot one that is unusual and add it to my collection that is in the hundreds,” she said.
Many of her aprons are vintage from the 30’s to 90’s as well as newer ones. The aprons demonstrate the ingenuity of women to fashion aprons from available materials. They could be made from patchwork prints and gingham to more beautiful floral patterns.
“Aprons are enjoying resurgence in popularity,” she explained. “After World War II, housewives wore them to look pretty in the kitchen. Today, younger women are refashioning them to wear atop jeans as a fashion statement. Just look on Pinterest and Etsy for fashion ideas.”
Gage is also credited with leading the efforts to restore the Bethel House which was built in 1937. It was moved to its current location at 18201 SW 102 Ct., an effort that took 11 years.
Tours of East Ridge will be available upon request. East Ridge at Cuter Bay is located at 19301 SW 87th Avenue in Cutler Bay. Please call 1-877-340-5486 to RSVP.
About East Ridge at Cutler Bay
East Ridge at Cutler Bay is the Miami-Dade County’s only life care community offering retirement living with the benefits, opportunities and friendships. The community draws from the rich neighborhood charm of suburban Cutler Bay and the vibrancy of Miami in a lush tropical environment of 76 acres. East Ridge, located at 19301 SW 87th Avenue, offers a continuum of care, including independent and assisting living, respite care and skilled nursing care and rehab. For more information, please call 1-877-340-5486 for a personal tour or visit www.EastRidgeAtCutlerBay.com.
Note to Media: Interviews and photos Available- Media are Invited to attend along with videographers and photographers. For arrangements please contact Janis Ehlers, The Ehlers Group,954-726-9228, janis@theehlersgroup.com
