arts & entertainment

The Historical Society of Indian River County will host a vintage fashion exhibit, covering Hallstrom family fashions from 1902 to the 1970’s. A special opening night event is from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2024, and kicks off the weeklong exhibit. The exhibit runs through Friday, April 19, 2024, and takes place at the historic Hallstrom House at 1723 Old Dixie Highway SW in Vero Beach, Florida.

A fundraiser for the Indian River County Historical Society, this event provides a glimpse into the past as you view curated selections from the closets of this remarkable early pioneer family. The fashions are a captivating journey through the decades, showcasing attire that highlights the unique styles of Ruth Hallstrom and trends of each era. The clothing depicts a fashion time machine, transporting the audience to a bygone era of fashion and glamour.

This exhibit includes Axel and Emely Hallstrom’s 1902 wedding attire, items from Ruth Hallstrom’s closet, including items of clothing collected from extensive trips throughout the world with her father in a time when most people never traveled more than a few miles from their place of birth.

Register, pay, and download your tickets to this one-of-a-kind exhibit from the Historical Society website www.Irchistorical.org. Opening night tickets are $50 per person. Guests

will be treated to charcuterie and beverages thoughtfully presented by opening night sponsor 21^st Amendment Distillery. The remaining exhibit week runs each day Sunday, April 14, 2024, through Friday, April 19, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with tickets priced at $15 per person. You may choose the date you wish to attend or purchase tickets at the door.

The Hallstrom House was home to one family. Swedish immigrant Axel Hallstrom (1870-1966) designed and built the two-story red brick farmhouse “to baffle termites and hurricanes”. For Ruth (1904-1999), his only child, it was the only home she ever knew. Upon her death, she bequeathed the house and everything in it to the Indian River County Historical Society. Today, the home is a living museum providing visitors with an experiential interpretation of this bygone time in our history. In 2002, the home was placed on the U.S. Register of Historic Places.

For over thirty years, the Indian River County Historical Society has contributed to preserving the historical and environmental resources of Indian River County, the Indian River Lagoon area, and the State of Florida. The Historical Society is a non-profit organization.

For more information or to volunteer with the Historical Society, call 772-778-3435 or email indianriverhisto@bellsouth.net