Beth Gilgun, noted for period clothing, has passed ...

[Flint62Smoothie]

I regret to tell you that Ken Hamilton had informed that Beth Gilgun just recently passed.

I did not know her personally, but many a good friend in our MZL Community spent many a day afield with her or enjoyed her company at various historical events, like historic Deerfield.

Beth Gilgun brought the mid to late 1700s to life with her entertaining and informative book, "Tidings From the 18th Century". It was written in the form of "letters" to a friend on the frontier. Great for reenactors, teachers, historic interpreters, and theatrical costumers. As an accomplished seamstress and goodwife, Gilgun shares with her "friend" information on clothing for men, women and children, as well as other topics of daily life in Colonial America.

 

[French Colonial]

Sad news, I will have to dig her book out and look through it again.

 

[david58]

Sad news, but I cannot find any obit or any news of her passing. Do you have a source for this information?

 

[rich pierce]

She was a great resource.

 

[dave_person]

Hi,
Beth helped me a great deal when I examined and copied the Hawk fowler at Historic Deerfield. She was a wonderful resource. This is very sad news.

dave

 

[Brokennock]

Very sad to read this. I was just looking through her book two days ago. I recommend it often.
Never met her, but, she was definitely high on my lost of people in this hobby I would like to have met.

 

[tenngun]

I didn’t know her but read her stuff these forty plus years
I see her in my minds eye from a photo of her. And whenever I read her name that’s what comes to mind. We forget times passing carriage
God speed Ms Beth

 

[kipcarter]

Years ago I camped near to her at several Easterns. I have a great coat and a Virginia gentleman’s coat that she made me which I prize highly. She was one of the good ones

 

[Widows Son]

RIP and thank you for being amongst us.

 

[Capt. Jas.]

So sorry to hear this. We kept up quite a bit in the heyday of the late '80s and '90s. Prayers up for the family.

 

[andy52]

I can't begin to say how many times I've referenced this book when making garments.
RIP Beth.

 

[Brokennock]

Anyone know her age? I thought her to be quite young?

 

[duca]

This is sooo sad. May God bless her and her family. Time goes by so fast...

 

[andy52]

Anyone know her age? I thought her to be quite young?

I bought that book from her personally in 1994 and I would guess she was about my age at the time and I'll be 70 in a few months.

 

[Brokennock]

I bought that book from her personally in 1994 and I would guess she was about my age at the time and I'll be 70 in a few months.

Thank you. Definitely too young. A little older than I thought. But, too young just the same.

 

[Eric Bye]

Sad news indeed. Beth was a guiding light for many history buffs, even far beyond New England. She will be greatly missed, but her influence and legacy will last a long time.

 

[Reno]

Very sad news. When I was very active in historical research making trunks, clothing, bags etc. she was one of those who was considered an absolute authority. She helped many personally and thousands with her books. She was a great resource. Prayers for the family.

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

Do you have a source for this information?

I’ve not seen any obituary yet, as it just happened, but I believe she hailed from Warwick, Mass.

Her untimely passing (to a heart ailment) was confirmed by her ex-husband Chris, who is a friend of mine.

 

[Brokennock]

I’ve not seen any obituary yet, as it just happened, but I believe she hailed from Warwick, Mass.

Her untimely passing (to a heart ailment) was confirmed by her ex-husband Chris, who is a friend of mine.

Thank you for confirming. I hope you will let your friend know that there are so many of us who mourn her passing.

 

[Coinneach]

From Australia, her reference book had influence even here down under, I'm saddened with her loss.
God bless you dear lady,.