Today was my first day as one of “The Village People” at Old World Wisconsin. I interpret St. Peter’s Church, built in 1839 as Milwaukee’s very first Roman Catholic chapel and cathedral. Only 7 years after the cornerstone was laid, the parish had grown from 20 members to 100 families and they began to construct a new cathedral to accommodate the growing population of Catholic immigrants. St. Peter’s was preserved and used for Sunday school, meetings, and a boys’ school (in the basement). It was also moved around (3 times), added to, and then restored to its original design. We acquired it in 1975 and restored it to its 1889 appearance. The wood stove is no longer used for heat; since we store some of our collections artifacts in the basement, we’ve updated to central heating. Still, it was chilly and damp today. Here’s the interior and a close up of the altar. The framed pieces are the Missal (service prayers) in Latin.
I hang out at the back of the church, stitching my pin cushion for the Christmas Bazaar or playing the pump organ. I am getting used to pumping with my feet, adding volume and overtones with my knees, and keeping all ten fingers busy on the keyboard. The organ is placed underneath one of fourteen Stations of the Cross displaying the German woodwork of that time.
Of course, I sit on that little chair and play while in costume, complete with corset and bustle.
Tomorrow is the 5K Bustle Hustle, a run/walk event for all ages (children can do a 1K route). I will be cheering the participants on before taking my place in the church. So tonight, I am turning in early! Before I close, though, I have to share a photo of the most handsome man of The Village People standing outside The Wagon Shop.
I said, “Young man! There’s a place you can go…”
scillagrace 
Great pictures and I love your outfit!
Thanks!
Reblogged this on supertucksmama.
Thanks! Your post from yesterday was great. Fun photos, fabulous message. Leaving grief behind to fully appreciate what is real is a great adventure.
I am loving that bustle !
Let’s see if I can fit in the driver’s seat today with it on…
haha… now I’d Love to get a photograph of you trying !
You look great but always wanted to know, how does one sit in a bustle?
You let it “accordion” crunch up behind you…if you can picture that!
Never mind picture it SG, I can feel it…thats exactly what my 52 year old arse does!
“Accordion” to you it does, anyway. 😉
Aaaaaaaaaaaaargh!!
Thats worse than one of mine!
You should make a ‘concertina’d’ attempt to avoid jokes like that from now on..
Very nice costume, but isn’t the bustle a bit uncomfortable and awkward moving around in? Enjoyed the post!
Why, yes, it is! But that kind of makes life interesting….
I can’t drum up any enthusiasm for either of your jokes !!!
Ooops that should be below Stuarts!! Can you move it Scilla! ??
Not sure how to do that…sorry!
never mind 🙂
History, thanks for keeping it alive!
My pleasure!
Great costume, and fun to see photos of the museum.
I always loved playing dress up!
Me too! Our guest room is called The Costume Room and it houses our dress up stuff.
I found all your posts great…. Kudos! Scillagrace…
Thanks so much! I’m glad you stopped by and found something you enjoyed!