Centre Acadien, Université Sainte-Anne

Women at the St. Bernard Parish church picnic in their “Sunday best” – “La robe de dimanche” or “Sunday-best” was a commonly used expression for many years in Clare when referring to a particular set of clothing. From the wealthiest to the poorest, there was always one set of clothing reserved for special occasions: religious holidays, weekly mass, vespers, and visits from the priest or other important members of the community. The annual parish and community picnics were so important to social life in Clare, too, that Sunday-best attire was worn to those events.

In the photo featured here we see women in Sunday-best dresses, pearls, and fancy hats at the St. Bernard Parish church picnic (ca. 1950). In the same series of photos, we observe men wearing suits even when trying their skill at competitions of strength. Occasionally the jacket came off but only during the strength-testing games or while cooking over the open fires.

Topic: Community Life

Date: [ca. 1950]

Reference: John Collier Collection Centre Acadien Photo 50 (NS archives, Negative no 65-d)

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