Setting:  a seamstress’ shop on the square in downtown Bowling Green, late 1800s.

CIERRA:  (walks into the dressmaker’s shop)

CARRIE:  (stands up to greet her customer)  How may I help you Madam?  Would you like for me to make a dress for you?

CIERRA:  (moves toward CARRIE to shake her hand)  Yes please, I need a dress for the Christmas Ball.

CARRIE:  (returns the gesture of welcome)  Do you mind if I take some measurements?

CIERRA:  Oh sure, I don’t mind, go ahead.  (places her purse on the nearby chair)

CARRIE:  (walks tog get measuring tape from her work bench, then returns and begins taking measurements)  It looks as if you are five feet tall, waist is about 20 inches.

CIERRA:  (shakes her head in agreement)  That sounds about right.

CARRIE:  (looking at her supply of fabrics)  What color fabric do you prefer?

CIERRA:  (thinking a minute)  Well, I had an idea of a long, beautiful, blue velvet dress, with a tall lace collar.

CARRIE:  (taking notes)  Would you like anything else?

CIERRA:  (picking up her purse)  Yes, I need a pair of blue shoes to match the dress.

CARRIE:  Okay, that can be arranged.  When would you like the dress delivered?

CIERRA:  (checking her social listings)  Can you have it ready by Friday?  The ball is on Saturday.

CARRIE:  (extending her arm to escort CIERRA to the door)  What time is the ball?

CIERRA:  (accepting CARRIE’s arm)  It is at 9:00.

CARRIE:  I don’t think that will be a problem, I’ll have it ready on Friday.

CIERRA:  (reaching for the door)  Well, I guess I had better go now.

CARRIE:  (opening the door for her customer)  It was very nice meeting you.

CIERRA:  (taking her first steps towards the street)  Yes, you too.  Goodbye!
 

Authors’ note:  We got our idea from a portrait of Carrie Taylor (hung in the Kentucky Museum), a dressmaker who lived in Bowling Green during the late 1800s.
 

Cari and Amber
Cumberland Trace Elementary and Auburn School