Threads of History: The Remarkable Life of Fred Nicklewhite – Tailor, Jazz Lover, and Village Icon

Arriving in Manchester during the Woodrow Wilson era, master tailor Fred Nicklewhite became an essential thread in the fabric of Manchester Village. Renowned for crafting fine bespoke suits for summer guests at the Equinox Hotel, Fred was equally known for his gentle spirit, love of scripture and poetry, and personal friendships with Harlem jazz legends like Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway. Join Manchester Historical Society Curator Shawn Harrington in the Library as we celebrate the story of a man who lived past his second century, loved horse racing and great music, and left an indelible mark on our community.
This program is supported in part by the Vermont Humanities, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. www.vermonthumanities.org.
The “Threads of History” program series at Manchester Community Library, in partnership with Manchester Historical Society, explores this year’s Vermont Reads themes, focusing on the history of American textiles, comic arts, historic printing, and the role women played in the Industrial Revolution. The 2026 Vermont Reads book, Charity and Sylvia by Tillie Walden, is available for pickup at the Library. Learn more about Vermont Reads.