A Cavan woman has assembled a collection of clothes and items from the past to dispaly.
Phyllis Ferris, a farmer's wife from Ballnilagh in County Cavan, collects momentos of yesteryear. She is a third generation hoarder of items that increase in value through the years. Rather than throwing things out Phyllis Ferris has put her collection on display in a former pig house.
On show are personal items and clothing belonging to her grandmother who was born in 1850.
The white dress I think must have been her trousseau, part of her trousseau, because it's very elaborate.
Another dress from around 1890 belonging to her mother was made specifically for a new year children's party.
Among the items to be seen is a set agricultural medals won at the Cavan Show in 1885. There are animal medical tools and implements that would have been used to care for farm animals. There is an assortment of curling tongs. A favourite item of Phyllis is an old scrapbook given to her by Annie Grady containing illustrations and newspaper cuttings. There is also a variety of slippers on display dating back to around 1820 some with square toes and some with rosettes.
Phyllis Ferris would like people to see the collection and would be happy for individuals or groups to arrange a visit for viewing.
This episode of 'On The Land' was broadcast on 23 September 1969. The reporter is Larry Sheedy.
'On the Land' was a weekly programme for farmers broadcast from 1962 to 1971. Jack White, Head of Public Affairs, Telefís Éireann, wrote "Good cover of farming is a basic duty for a television network that serves an agricultural country. Telefís Éireann is anxious to do its bit to make for a better life on the land." (RTV Guide, 9 February 1966. Vol.1, No.11, p.6)
