In 2009, the Oneida Stake Academy Foundation (OSAF) partnered with the Franklin County camps of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers (DUP) and presented the community with an Antique Fashion Show.
Using the antique clothing collection of DeAnn Simonich, niece of OSAF board member Sydney Hale, the history of Franklin County was presented on the stage of the Worm Creek Opera House.
The oldest dress featured was from the year 1890, the year construction on the academy began.
Later fashions included prom dresses and childrens’ dresses from the 1950s.
The hit of the show was a men’s bathing suit, worn by Orson Clegg, an uncle of Hale’s in the 1920s and former student at the Oneida Stake Academy. Also featured were dresses worn by the mother and sister of the late David O. McKay, former president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The antique fashions were modeled by local residents, who thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Special thanks to Diane Hyde for her help with decorations, Linda Hanson for styling the girls’ hair, the Northern Cache Valley Theater Guild for the use of the opera house, and the men in lives of the women who put the program together for their patience and strong backs.
One gentleman, whose arm was twisted to attend by his wife, commented later that he was surprised by how much he enjoyed the program.
The program is an example of events the Oneida Stake Academy Foundation will sponsor in the academy once it is restored.