The General’s Lady
Proprietresses;    Judy Bauer and Mary Felder

The General’s Lady started with a 35 year friendship and a passion for the American Civil War.  Mary and I reached a time in our lives when we were able to travel and study period gowns and fabrics.

We attended reenactment events from California to Pennsylvania, to South Carolina.  In all our travels we were always astonished by the lack of well fitted, beautiful, stylish, period silk gowns suited to mature ladies.  Women started asking questions about our gowns and always commenting on “how well put together Mary and I were”.

We started sewing for friends and helping women with hair styles, hats and bonnets.   Since 2004, we have created over 300 gowns, including ball gowns, using the finest silks and taffeta available.  Mary and I traveled to Hong Kong in October 2003 to purchase silk.  Our inventory consists only of the finest silk, silk linen, and silk/taffetas.  

Our goal is to help the living history and re-enactment community to “Dress their station”, and dress appropriately for our age groups and body styles.  Remember ladies the Civil War was not just blood and mud, it was a considered the most romantic style of costuming ever.  

In other areas of this web site we will address do’s and don’ts, including a “Don’t let this happen to you” scenario.  We also are providing period photos and fashion plates depicting well dressed ladies of the era.