The following article was commissioned by Pointe Foure, a vintage clothing boutique in Erie PA, during my recent internship. This is article three in a series of three.
A wedding is perhaps one of the most significant milestone moments in a person’s life, and for the bride, choosing just the right gown for the occasion is a special event in itself. One local Erie store earned a loyal following for nearly a century, with its premiere bridal boutique located on the third floor of the familiar Trask’s Department Store. Each Spring, the newly engaged anticipated the announcement of “Bride’s Week,” an annual Trask event that catered to the unique needs of brides to be.
Trask’s Opened in 1877 on Ninth and State St. in downtown Erie. It was well known for clothing and everyday items for the house. In 1937, the local Erie newspaper featured Trask’s ads referring to its 60th anniversary as a Diamond Jubilee with year-long sales events. For local Erie families, Trask’s was a familiar and popular showroom.
Each year, after the busy Christmas season, the staff and management at Trask’s, began a full-force effort to prepare for their signature “Spring Bride’s Week.” Planning involved nearly every department. Meeting notes acquired from the Hagan History Center’s expansive archives shows a number of duties assigned to each department before the annual event.
Mr. Masterson, from the advertising department, was directed to order invitations, print tickets, and design a series of ads for the local newspaper. Mr. Dudzic coordinated the store window displays, which would feature bridal gowns. Early in the year, a theme was chosen, such as 1959’s “Once in a Life Time” and 1967’s “Love’s Young Dream.” Every detail, including catering, microphones, music, and parking, were discussed weekly at staff meetings leading up to event day.
Young brides, their mothers, and bridal parties anxiously awaited the announcement for “Bride Week” registration. The event was free but required a ticket, which could be obtained directly from the bridal salon. The catered reception included a showing of china, crystal, and silver, along with lingerie, stationery, and bridal gifts. The highlight of the evening was, of course, the elegant and extravagant fashion show. Bridesmaids’ dresses, mother gowns, and flower girl ensembles were included in the show. However, the bridal gowns were the center of attention. Trask’s was known to have resources to provide the latest trends and fashion designer gowns for the modern-day bride. Each attendee would leave the event full of ideas and perhaps with one of the many raffle prizes, which could include the bride’s first piece of china.
For generations, Trask’s was the first choice of Erie brides. Mothers, daughters, and granddaughters alike enjoyed the tradition of selecting personal items for the bride’s trousseau and choosing that signature gown on the third floor of the Trask’s Bridal Salon.
Today, if you are looking for traditional or vintage bridal pieces that can bring back memories, Pointe Foure has a unique selection. Visit our new downtown location on State Street and take a walk down memory lane.
Photos Courtesy of the Hagen History Center, Erie, PA
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