What I remember and cherish most are Charles' incredible grace, charm, ingenuity, and generosity. I first saw his presentation on the bias featuring his amazing gowns at a seminar for 4-H members at The Ohio State University in the late 1980’s. I was a 4-H advisor at the time, and was attending with some of my club members. I was enthralled! His gentle voice, his generosity with his knowledge, his showmanship, and his beautifully constructed garments combined to mesmerize me and made a lasting impression.

In the years following, I had opportunities to attend several of his seminars; his extensive handouts are a valued part of my resource collection. He generously allowed a group of us from the Greater Cincinnati Professional Sewing Association to tour the Costume and Textile collection at Ohio State when he was the curator. He was a generous guide, telling wonderful stories and pointing out intricate details on garments. He allowed us to not just see the garments, but to turn them inside out! The inspiration and knowledge we gained that day was immeasurable.

Charles always had words of encouragement and support and never from a position of superiority—always as a friend and colleague. He didn’t just talk to us about his experiences, techniques, and designs, he shared them. He was a true gentleman, artist, and technician, and he will be missed.

Karen Howland