Williams-Proctor Wedding August 17, 2011

"Utica Society Turns Out En Masse to the Marriage of Two of its Favorites." So read the headline in the Utica Observer when Maria Williams and Thomas Proctor wed on April 9, 1891. The lengthy newspaper article is the basis for an enlightening new exhibition, 'The Williams-Proctor Wedding,' now on view in the Museum of Art period rooms in Fountain Elms. Each room is decked out to represent the magnificent reception held in Fountain Elms in celebration of Maria and Thomas' nuptials. Maria's wedding gown, discovered in Fountain Elms in April 1991 and the only article of fashion art in the Museum's collection, is also on view. The first-floor rooms were overwhelmingly decorated with flowers of every description and guests were treated to an elaborate buffet of exceptional delicacies. As was tradition, lavish displays in several rooms showcased the wedding gifts, many of which are today in the Museum's collection and on view in the period rooms for this special exhibition.