Bridal Originals Reunion in Pinckneyville Marks 100th Birthday of Its First Lady

Doctors who implanted Louise Starkweather's cardiac pacemaker years ago told her it would last her a lifetime. That was three pacemakers ago.

Louise turned 100 on Saturday and the First Lady of upscale Bridal Originals was guest of honor at a reunion held at the Grecian Steak and Seafood House restaurant in Pincknevyille.

Louise's career crossed through the 69-year industrial lives of Forest City Mfg. Co--which began in what was once the American Legion on North Mulberry Street in Du Quoin-- then Country Set and finally Bridal Originals, which closed in June 2002.

The world's finest bridal dressmaker fell victim to offshore manufacturing and cheap imports. Yet, for the ladies of the International Garment Workers Local 593 there remains a golden thread that has brought them all back together at least once a year for the past decade since the plant closed.

Bridal Originals' last manager was Don Blasdel who has made many of the plant's reunions. Longtime manager Tom Rhoades lives in Marion.

But, Louise was the day-in and day-out soul and the conscience of the business. She was entrusted with every aspect of making sure the "Bridal Originals" label was known and respected throughout the high fashion industry.

"I did anything and everything." She made dresses and she fixed leaking roofs. "I don't think she ever missed a day," said longtime friend Marlene "Tadpole" Williams.

Longtime friend Charlene Gieser agreed.

"I live in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma with my son," she says. "I told him the only way I would come out there is if I could do all the cooking and laundry," she smiles.

She didn't get any arguments.

Louise attends church every Sunday and her Sunday school class recently honored her for her 100th birthday.

The seamstresses at Bridal Originals called her "The Energizer Bunny" and she shows no signs of slowing down.

She stood and visited tables Saturday for almost three hours until "Tadpole" pulled up a chair and told her to sit down.

There were approximately 45 who attended the reunion. A great dinner served by the Grecian included baked and barbecued chicken and a large salad bar.

Several friends brought cards and gifts, although the humbled Louise insisted that they not.

Everyone sang Happy Birthday and agreed that the reunions should continue well into the future.