Bits 'n' Pieces: Aprons cover many years of history

Allene Wodaege

Vancouver high school student Megan Parrell helped organize Woofstock to raise money for the Humane Society for Southwest Washington.

Over the past 45 years, Ridgefield resident Allene Wodaege has amassed an impressive and diverse collection of aprons. From frilly organdy waist confections to more utilitarian bib varieties, the aprons reflect women's lifestyles and fashions over the decades, said Wodaege, 74.

In August, her collection will be on display at the Ridgefield Community Center as part of Ridgefield Heritage Day and a celebration marking the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of Ridgefield.

"I think they tell the story of women through the ages," Wodaege said of her aprons, one of which dates back to the late 1800s.

Aprons have a nostalgic charm for Wodaege, since her mother used to wear them. She has more than 30 aprons. Some were gifts, some she found in vintage stores or at garage sales, and some her mother-in-law made.

They run the gamut from practical, good for protecting clothes while baking or gardening, to purely decorative. One is a crocheted apron in a rainbow of colors.

"It's a sweet thing," she said.

While Wodaege isn't actively looking to expand her collection, she "always keep(s) (her) eye out for aprons."

Vancouver teen raises money for Humane Society

Between school, homework and a part-time job, Megan Parrell doesn't have much spare time. Yet the Vancouver animal lover and her uncle, Wayne Vallandingham, are teaming to put together a benefit concert to help raise money for the Humane Society for Southwest Washington.

Woofstock will take place July 11 at McKenzie Stadium in Vancouver. Vallandingham, a 51-year-old musician, used his industry connections to recruit local acts Holding On, Yung Jordan, The ByrdBrains and Carrie Cunningham & The Six Shooters and Utah-based singer-songwriter John Allred. Vallandingham may do sets as well. Parrell, a 17-year-old junior at Mountain View High School, will emcee the event.

"I hate public speaking. That's probably going to be the most difficult part," she said.

But she hopes her stage fright will be well worth it. Woofstock admission is $10 in advance, and $12.50 at the door. Parrell and Vallandingham have printed 1,500 tickets, and all proceeds after expenses will go to the Humane Society to help pay for food, care and medical supplies for shelter animals awaiting adoption, said Jayme Mah, Humane Society development officer.

Parrell, who lives with her aunt and uncle in Fisher's Landing, goes to the shelter at least once a month, sometimes weekly, to visit the cats and dogs needing homes. She hopes to become an animal rehabilitator in the future.

But for now she's focused on publicizing Woofstock, selling tickets and drumming up donations. Venue and sound and stage equipment rentals will cost about $2,500. If they don't sell enough tickets, not only will they not have profits to give the Humane Society, but she and her uncle will be responsible for covering the costs themselves, Parrell said.

"The money part is stressful," she said.

Tickets and donation information are available through the Humane Society Web site, southwesthumane.org, or by e-mailing Vallandingham at waynev3@comcast.net.

Bits 'n' Pieces appears Mondays and Fridays. If you have a story you'd like to share, call Features Editor Elisa Williams, 360-735-4561, or e-mail elisa.williams@columbian.com.