WhanganuiRegional Museum is thrilled to have received a treasuretrove of new information shedding light on the life of LilaAlice Campbell, a prominent Whanganui personality whoselegacy continues to inspire generations. Museum records havebeen enhanced by family members coming forward following therecent display of a beloved 1970s dress owned byLila. Displayed for the April exhibition, the navy-blue and white polka dotsleeveless dress offers a glimpse into Lila's vibrantpersonality through her choice of attire.
The dress was afavourite of Lila’s and worn throughout the 1970s and1980s. Donated to the Museum by Lila herself in 1997, thedress has become a symbol of her vivaciouscharacter. Lila's son, Jim, and daughter-in-law, Sue,met with Kaihāpai Taonga/Collections and Curatorial Lead,Trish Nugent-Lyne to provide invaluable insights,photographs, and anecdotes about Lila, painting a vividpicture of her remarkable life.
Sue fondly recalled Lila'spassion for cars and fashion, citing her ownership of iconicAmerican vehicles which became an integral part of heridentity. As a teacher at Rangitikei College, Lila'sunconventional yet charismatic presence left a lastingimpression on students, who eagerly anticipated her dailyfashion statements. Sue recalled, “She loved cars.
Sheowned Mustangs, Camaros, and a Thunderbird. She would rockup to school in these cars and the kids used to say, ‘Iwonder what Mrs Campbell is wearing today?’ and she wouldhave long boots on, and short dres.