Mend and make do at Miss Porter's House Open Day

Miss Porter's House, an Edwardian home occupied by one family only from 1909 to 1997.

The Porter women, Florence and children, Ella and Hazel Porter, made, mended and recycled clothing, shoes, furniture, soap, flour bags and much more. Frugal habits and careful budgeting meant that the Porters really did Mend & Make Do.

Father, Herbert, died in 1919 when Ella and Hazel were young children. They worked as secretaries, typists and shop assistants, supporting themselves and Florence, their widowed mother. Their careful lifestyle was a necessity. Ella and Hazel Porter were not rich.

People who lived through the Depression years of the 1930s and the Second World War learnt to reuse and recycle. These habits often continued through life.

The Porter women made their own clothes, remodelled older clothes, and mended tears and rips. They knitted, crocheted, and sewed, made baskets, embroidered pillowslips, and stencilled tablecloths. Whatever could be repaired was repaired.

Children can explore the workings of the soap saver, the butter cooler, a darning egg and devise new uses for the many flour bags.

So see the evidence of a sustainable lifestyle of the 20th Century at Miss Porter's House during Make Do & Mend month.

---

Facilities at Mend and make do at Miss Porter's House Open Day

• Family Friendly
• Shop / Gift Shop

---

Accessibility Information

• Disabled access available, contact operator for details.