It's all about hair at the History Center

Lockport — It was a good hair day for the participants of the hair-measuring contest. This contest was one of several events held Feb. 18, at the Niagara County Historical Society as part of their Good Hair Day event and celebration of the seven Sutherland Sisters.

This famous family of seven singing siblings, each with floor length hair, traveled the country performing and selling hair products at the end of the 19th century, before returning home to Lockport, continuing their rags to riches to rags story.

Feb. 18, more than a dozen contestants came to the history center to have their hair measured. Most of the contestants had been growing their hair most, if not all of their lives.

Women from all ages took their turn, placing their hair in a pony tale as their hair was measured.

Coming in first in the 18 and older category was Lockport’s Jennifer Geltz. He hair was measured at 39 inches.

Geltz said that growing her hair long was something she wanted to do since she was 3 years old and she watched “Return of the Jedi.” She said she remembers Princess Leia with her long hair and knew she wanted it too. She has also always liked mermaids and their long hair.

“I have a goal of trying to hit the floor with it,” said Geltz, who has only ever trimmed her hair.

For second-place winner Rhonda Dudkowski of Lockport, the last time she remembers cutting her hair was shortly after her wedding 32 years ago. She said that though her husband is not a fan, and often threatens to cut some of it in her sleep, she’s always “liked it.”

She also said that since she normally keeps her hair up, people she has known for years are often surprised when they first find out that her hair is so long. Dudkowski’s hair measured 38 inches.

In third place was Melody Burow from the Town of Niagara. Her hair was 33 inches. During the Good Hair Day events Burow made the decision to have her hair cut and donated to Locks of Love. The donated hair is used to create wigs for cancer patients. Kitty Fogle of Capelli Salon cut her hair to be donated.

Several other winners were also recognized in the age category of 5 to 11 and 12 to 17.

Winning the 5 to 11-year-old category was 11-year-old Zoe Allen of Grand Island. Allen’s hair measured 21 inches. He hair has only been trimmed since she was born.

Allen said she likes having long hair and wants to keep growing it for now.

Receiving a special acknowledgment is Lorraine Garver of Gasport. Her hair measured 51 inches and went down to the floor.

Garver, who has won the contest in previous years, said she has had long hair her entire life. When she was younger, she said her mother wanted it short and her father wanted it long. She also chose to cut 22 inches of her hair 2 years ago.

Actor Marsha Zimmer of the Step Back in Time Players, portraying Isabella Sutherland, told the story of her life and family.

She began by talking about the families early days at their farm in Cambria.

“Our hair was always very long,” she said. “My mother had a concoction to make hair grow. It was nasty, but it works.”

After their mother died, their father Fletcher had the hair serum analyzed. The girls began singing and traveling around performing, at the end of their performances they would turn around, revealing their floor length hair.

This began their line of hair care products and their fame. Isabella said that being poor for most of their life, caused them to spend like crazy when they did have money.

Though many factors lead to the downfall of the famous family, one came when women began bobbing their hair to above the shoulder.

“It made our products not necessary,” said Isabella. “It wasn’t like my day when hair was your crowning glory.”

The program also presented a brief look at a new set of letters the History Center recently received. Volunteer Dianna Koplas said they were not ready to announce where the letters came from, but she read two of the letters, including an early letter from Fletcher to his wife.

Ann Marie Linnabery also gave a presentation on the popularity of hair jewelry and wreaths. She said this trend grew for a couple reasons, such as at the time there were not photographs, so taking a person’s hair was a way to remember them. Also, Queen Victoria wore hair jewelry after her husband, Albert died. Many wanting to be like her started to do the same.

Linnabery said that around 1860 was when hair jewelry became popular. At first hair was used for small rings or a broach or locket, but soon became more elaborate. Pieces of hair at least 24 inches long were used to make hair wreaths and jewelry. Sometimes women would sell their hair for money. Also, if a certain color hair was needed but not attainable, horsehair was used.

The day to remember the Sutherland Sisters is held once every two years at the History Center. Several exhibits on the sisters and hair are now on display through May.

A new biography on the Sutherland Sisters is also now available. Local author Brandon Stickney, who has spent years researching the topic, wrote the book.