Former teacher Arline Whitney to speak to PAWS

OTHELLO – Former Othello elementary school teacher Arline Whitney will give a presentation on the origin and history of the apron at this season’s first gathering of PAWS on Wednesday, Oct. 12.

There is much more to the history of the apron than people may think, said Nancy Briggs, one of the leaders of the Presbyterian Adult Women’s Society.

“It’s quite fascinating,” she said.

Probably no one really knows the origin of the apron, Briggs said. Maybe it was used by a homemaker first. Maybe by a blacksmith first. Maybe by a horse shoer. Or maybe a carpenter.

The PAWS gathering will be held at the First Presbyterian Church at 715 Scooteney St. It will begin at 11:30 a.m.

The gathering, which is about fellowship more than anything else, will include a lunch at about noon. There is no charge, but donations will be appreciated.

“It’s open to all women in the community,” Briggs said.

Men are welcome too, she added.