Item 2013.003.151 - Helen (Dyck) Klassen's dress

Helen's explanation is as follows : I, Helen (Dyck) Klassen wore this dress in 1921 in the Alexandrowsk, now Zaporozhye, Mennonite church in the suburb of Schoenwiese. Amazingly the church had not yet been shut down by Bolschiwicks later called communists. Since the family had been evicted from their home across from the flour mill and now lived in a tiny workers cottage on the mill site with many other evicted relatives, the reception was in the granary. Marshall law had been declared at that time, which meant people could be shot if a large assembly took place. Guests were asked to arrive in a discreet or shall I say stealthy manner.

The next day authorities of that time appeared, having heard about a festivity, but found no evidence of a celebration.

The dress I wore belonged to the bride's Mother. Original top layer was mesh, all embroidered with beads and pearls. Underneath was a silk layer out of which this dress was made. Who knows what happened to the lace collar! It is astounding that during these turbulent times a photographer was engaged. No doubt he was paid with flour from the mill. I presume the relatives stole their own flour, since it now belonged to the state.