Mums The Word

by Steve Gamel | photos courtesy of Marty Frank

A QUICK HISTORY OF THE HOMECOMING MUM

It’s homecoming season in Texas and the mum tradition continues. The homecoming “MUM” tradition began as a sweet Texan token of affection given to a girl by her date in honor of the High School homecoming football game. When did they go from a simple flower to gigantic custom pieces that are often bigger than the girl that is wearing them? Around the 1970’s they have gotten bigger and better; it is a Texas tradition after all. The homecoming mum is a corsage with trinkets and ribbons.

These ribbons represent various things, student’s names, organization and hobbies, their class level etc. In the past these were traditionally real. However, over the years they have gone artificial to be more durable and able to save as a keepsake. Today there is no limit to design options that are available to fit all budgets and tastes. Over the last few years the mum crazes branched out to neighboring states, but they will always be bigger in Texas.

YOUR LOCAL MUM CREATORS

Marty Frank and Rene Diebold mfrank@mygrande.net 314.308.3663 972.672.6514

General Mum Pricing: $75 - $150 Boutonnières: $12 Wrist Corsages: $25 Rings: $15 Masks: $20 Garters: Prices Vary

Marty and Rene’ started making mums for their boys and their friends when they were freshmen in high school. Their love of crafting, spending time together and creating mums will continue although their boys are freshmen in college. Over the years their business has grown, and they are excited to continue to grow together. “We would love to make a Mum, Garter or Mask for you! We have premade mums that will be customized to your liking. We can also make one from scratch to meet your needs. Our styles and price points vary and we are flexible, text or email to set up a time to come and pick out a mum.”