Diane Hoskins is in the "smuggling business."

Or so she pretends.

The Coldwater, Mich., resident acted as a look-out for the Underground Railroad, ensuring that escaped slaves had a way to get to Canada. Hoskins showcased this alter-ego persona Saturday at the Student Apparel Design Association's Civil War Ball.

About 20 couples twirled in the Union's Gold Room, clad in period dress. Many of the women made their own gowns, some of which took up to 40 hours to construct.

"It took a long time to sew, and it's slippery," Hoskins said of her teal satin dress.

Hoskins and her boyfriend Rod Sloane, also from Coldwater, formed an interesting pair. While Hoskins watched for "slave owners," Sloane sipped fruit punch in his war uniform — as a Confederate soldier.

Although Sloane donned his replica of a captain's Confederate uniform, the long-time re-enactment actor prefers his Union uniform.

"I think, back then, I would have fought for the Union," Sloane said.

The proceeds from the ball went to the Apparel and Textile Design Historic Clothing and Textile Collection, an assortment of more than 1,000 garments from as early as the 1770s. Clothing, accessories, hats, shoes and artifacts are contained within the series, which began accumulating in the 1930s with a donation from the Fred Jenison Estate.

Collection managers Martha Brownscombe and Marie Gile said finding space for the garments is the biggest challenge, followed by general upkeep. While most garments are hung on padded hangers, other heavily beaded pieces must be contained in acid-free boxes to prevent tearing.

"Everything takes space and energy," Brownscombe said. "And money."

The ticket sales from the ball will help the collection in its new location at the Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture Building.

The detailed period dresses come with their own set of rules, Alice Smith-Goeke said. The 2004 MSU alumna said the dresses are too big to be worn in cars.

"You can sit in them, though, despite what people think," Smith-Goeke said.

Smith-Goeke's goal is to have a dress from every decade. She's particularly fond of the Civil War era, however, as the undergarments are easier to wear.

"Corsets are quite comfortable, more so than a bra," said Smith-Goeke, who made her own corset.

Old-time re-enactments have proven to do more than just tell history. For Hoskins and Sloane, it created a romance. On Valentine's Day four years ago, they met at a period trade show.

Hoskins was disappointed with lights Sloane displayed in his booth, calling them historically inaccurate.

After confronting him, the two had their first date.

"Once in a while, you get lucky," Sloane said.