A Six Generation Tradition

Every family has their traditions and some have lasted for as long as anyone can remember. We all have holiday and new born in the family traditions. Larger families are even familiar with the hand me down tradition but how often do you hear about hand me downs lasting 148 years? Normally you wouldn't think any type of clothing would last that long and be in well enough shape for any one to wear, let alone even recognize what it once may have been after being passed down through even a couple children in the family.

 

In Michigan there is an article of clothing that has made it over the years and still gets to be passed down. It has become a family tradition that doesn't seem to have a worry about future generations getting to take their part in it either. For every Rewalt generation of  babies born into this family, the guardian of the christening gown gets it down from storage and carefully packages one of the two very old but well used tradition to have it taken to or sent via UPS with the tracking option purchased.

 

The family has two cherished heirloom christening gowns. The oldest one being 148 years old isn't used as often but the other one, not being much younger at 124 years old is used frequently. Each time a baby is born in the family careful instructions are sent with the gown. This includes absolutely no ironing or washing. The guardian takes care of all that. When she gets the dress back she carefully washes them in Woolite. After they are wrapped in acid free tissue paper and stored away for the next bundle of joy to join the family and the christening gown tradition.

 

Classic in style the 148 year old gown is much longer that the younger. The 124 year old christening gown is shorter in length with delicate lace. The family claims that it is 100% original and there have been no alterations made to the gown. However, they do say that the christening gown is very delicate. The guardian of the gown can not stress enough the importance of being careful with the gown when she has to send it out to make it to babies born not so close to home and where the gowns are safely kept.

 

This gown has been used by 48 children in the family and a total of 6 generations of Rewalts. Spread between Ohio and all the way down to Florida, this gown has been the welcoming tradition for them all. I find it absolutely amazing that they have been able to keep both these gowns not only intact, but in good enough condition to send through the mail unharmed and then to be worn. With how delicate the material of these gowns have to be at this point I'd be afraid when washing it, even by hand, that it would simply unravel in my hands. The guardian of the gown must know what she's doing to be so confident in the care of something so precious. She's done a great job keeping the tradition alive.