Sisters man collects exotic costumes

Holm and Susan Neumann. Photo provided

Holm Neumann collects pieces of history like some folks collect spoons. Except Neumann gets to have more fun with his collection than most.

He has gathered costumes from time periods long gone and wears them when he and his wife Susan ride their horses in local parades.

The walls of the Neumann home are adorned with the accessories that go with the costumes. Many of the outfits date from medieval times, so there is an array of helmets and swords on display.

Neumann's interest in costuming began when he took up single-action shooting. The competitions required participants to dress in clothing from the gunfighter era, so Neumann began scouting out antique and costume stores.

One treasure house was discovered on a business trip to Anchorage, Alaska.

"There is an antique store there called the Antique Gallery that I just walked into one day," Neumann said. "The owner has an amazing selection, some are museum pieces he has picked up at sales all over the world."

Neumann continued in the shooting competitions for several years and amassed a number of period outfits. He also found items for Susan to wear. She may choose to become a Victorian lady for one parade and depict a barroom floozy the next.

As he wound down participation in the competitions, Neumann found his interest in the costumes changing. The medieval era began to fascinate him and he acquired a knight's suit of armor. He says he intends to don it one day, complete with sword and shield and ride in a parade.

The crown jewel of Neumann's collection is a set of 17th century Japanese Samurai cavalry armor, dating from 1615. Redolent with the musty scent that 400 years gives to clothing, the outfit is in mint condition.

The silk undergarments have only a few tiny holes that give away the age of the material. The metal sections of the armor are linked with silk strings which show very little wear. One wonders at the craftsmanship which holds together a piece like this. Or maybe the wearer just didn't see much action in the wars.

Neumann says he often wishes the costumes could tell stories about the men who wore them.