Women in the window

Belva watches over downtown Fort Scott from the second floor window of Merl Humphrey's office. Michael Pommier/Tribune Photo

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The mannequin, named Belva, is one of two mannequins that are watching over downtown. The other woman, named Downtown Dolly, is dressed in 1880s-style clothing and keeps an eye on downtown from above The Country Cupboard.

According to Director of Economic Development Dale Bunn, the Phoenix Committee wanted to do something to get some interest in the downtown area. Elaine Buerge, a member of the Phoenix Committee, decided on using mannequins to liven up the windows.

"It is sort of neat to see something other than a covered window or a window that is boring or shuttered," Buerge said.

Other cities have placed "characters" in the windows. According to Buerge, the goal of the project is to give people something to look at. Bunn is pleased with what the project offers the city.

"(The mannequins) add a little intrigue to get people talking," Bunn said.

Her mannequins are a reminder of how life used to be when the rooms above the businesses were rented out. During the old railroad days the rooms were used as bordellos, however, Buerge and Bunn decided it would not be appropriate to represent that part of history in the downtown windows.

Jean Jackson, also a member of the Phoenix Committee, donated the mannequins as well as the clothing, both of which came from an old vintage store she used to own. Buerge also received materials from Don Miller, a representative of the Historical Preservation Association.

Buerge has another mannequin ready to go and is trying to find a place for it. This new mannequin is a male and is dressed in 1880s-style clothing. Buerge said that the actual mannequin also dates back to the 1880s.

Buerge struggled to pull the project together due to a lack of materials and lack of locations. Buerge is looking to find more heads for her mannequins as well as other parts. She has had to get creative with what she has to work with.

"After (Belva's) head and arms rolled off numerous frustrating times, I had to duct tape the old gal together," said Buerge.

Buerge plans to continue placing mannequins downtown. Her ultimate goal is to have one mannequin displayed per block. She said she plans to keep the mannequins up as long as the business owners will let her, and she will change their clothing periodically.