The North Mountain Historical Society

Meeting for November, 2001

November 19, 2001

The History Buffs met at the Brass Pelican on Monday, Nov. 19, with 28 people present. Jim Vance opened the meeting by having each one introduce themselves and tell where they were from. Following breakfast he introduced Dr. Donald Rabb who told some of his family history. The first Rabbs came to the United States from Germany in 1854. She made the 86-day trip by sailboat. Passengers brought their own supplies, food and even their own coal for the heater in their cabin.

Dr. Rabb had the document that we might call a passport that allowed the young woman into the country- also something known as the right of passage that possibly was to prove that her fare had been paid. This also contained a description of the young woman- height, weight, color of hair and eyes etc. He acknowledged the help of John Herbert Laubach in translating the documents that were all written in German.

Following Dr. Rabb's presentation, Betty Victory showed us an array of vintage clothing that had been handed down in her family over the years. The clothing was
beautiful and remarkably well preserved. Of special interest was a christening gown which was worn by all three of her grandchildren when they were baptized. She also had a complete outfit that the well-dressed young woman might have worn a hundred years ago including dress, hat, gloves, shoes, muff and even a parasol. The presentations were most interesting and our thanks go to both Betty and Dr. Rabb.

The next meeting will be the third Monday, Dec. 17, at the Brass Pelican. Anyone who has anything to do with an old fashioned Christmas such as old cards, old
Christmas decorations, or old toys is urged to bring them and share with us. Mr. Brewer from Orangeville has offered to bring his collection of old Christmas cards which I am sure will be most interesting.

The subject for the January meeting is the history of the Red Rock Bible Conference. The meeting will be Monday, January 21, 2002 at 8:30 at the Brass Pelican.