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- Description:
- Gored child's frock of red wool twill with black wool braid around neck, sleeves, hem. Round neck with self-piping and white eyelet machine lace; lace repeated on two-piece bishop sleeves. Three gores in front, four in back. Center-back closure has nine buttons (one decorative). Upper half lined with white unglazed cotton; lower half with glazed linen; linings sewn together. Band of white muslin at hem edge. All fabric bias-cut; hand-stitched; seam edges bound closed; magenta thread used. This is a fine gored princess-line dress of exquisite fabric for a young girl or boy, about age three. It does not appear to have been used. Wool braid is exquisitely used to add breadth to the skirt hem and to emulate a necklace.
- Date Issued:
- [1860 TO 1870]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This dress was worn by Elizabeth Virginia Palmer Bradfield.It is a lovely, loose fitting dress of "reform movement" styling. Elizabeth Virginia Palmer Bradfield was born in to one of Michigan's oldest mining families in 1875 in Port Huron, MI.Her grandfather, Charles Henry Palmer, was a pioneer investor and developer of mines and railroads in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Her father, Charles Henry Palmer, Jr. continued to run his father's businesses and expanded them, with mines in Montana, Colorado, and Mexico.In 1896, she married Thomas Parks Bradfield. They lived in Grand Rapids, MI until 1904 and later settled in Pontiac, MI, where she lived until her death in 1954. They had two children, Virginia Palmer Bradfield Ward and Thomas Palmer Bradfield. Elizabeth Virginia Palmer Bradfield studied sculpture in Paris, and went on to be an accomplished sculptress. Her work was shown at the Scarab Club in Detroit, in their annual Exhibition of Michigan Artists from 1914-1933. In 1914, the Scarab Club honored her sculpture "Myra" with their first presentation of the annual Scarab Hopkin Prize for Sculpture.
- Date Issued:
- [1917 TO 1919]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Date Issued:
- [1845 TO 1850]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- According to the donor, this dress belonged to Geraldine McMaster Cole, who died near Cato, New York in 1860. It has a simple one piece back and a simple work sleeve. The sleeve is shirred at the seam but is straight rather than curved, indicating an 1840-1855 date. The bodice was probably originally pointed at the center front, and is now straight cut. At its current position, the waistline is quite short-waisted - might this have been used as a maternity dress, or in the late 1830s? The full sleeves with fullness near the wrist are reminiscent of 1838-42.
- Date Issued:
- [1840 TO 1855]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Dark raspberry-pink linen dress and jacket with cut-out stylized leaf design backed with matching pink silk organza. Pink cotton lining. Strapless bodice; 3/4 inch linen belt ties in front. Bolero-style jacket with raglan sleeves, two self-fabric button closures; lapels fold back on either side of square neckline.
- Date Issued:
- 1959-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This dress is notable for its casualness and ease of movement, with the shoulders and sleeves at a natural level. It is also notable for the lower-style dress and the fact that it is made from scraps and can be altered easily. The bodice decoration is reminiscent of 1840's "points."
- Date Issued:
- [1845 TO 1855]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- A beautifully constructed, sewn, and finished dress, representing a homemade version of high style. The en tablier trim on the skirt is typical of 1850-55. The bodice and narrow sleeve are 1840s, the collar reminiscent of the 1830's, the skirt trim, ruffles and embroideryof the 1840's.
- Date Issued:
- [1840 TO 1849]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- A nice special occasion dress, worn with a blousewaist. The use of magenta and black together suggests a circa 1870 fabric - a popular aniline dye combination at the time. Also, the zouave-style jacket was popular in 1860s. The red and black silk "shag" trim on the jacket is interesting but is not a great match for rest of the piece. Overall, this girl's outfit has the feel of the bustle and puff style popular in women's dresses of the 1870s.
- Date Issued:
- 1870-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- On June 25, 1946, the Firestones threw a fine party at the Ritz Hotel in New York in celebration of their silver (25th) wedding anniversary. Mrs. Firestone never looked thinner or younger than she did when she wore this sheath-like dress made by New York designer Carrie Munn.Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1897 Elizabeth Parke married Harvey S. Firestone Jr., son of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, in 1921.Once described by a friend as, "the most luxurious woman in the history of luxury," Elizabeth Parke Firestone's clothing collection illustrates her impeccable taste in fashion.
- Date Issued:
- 1946-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Brick-red silk dress with all-over print of various-sized white dots with bits of blue. Collar and cuffs in off-white crepe with pleated edges. Down front of dress and above sleeve cuffs are diamond-shaped cut-outs with pleated crepe backing and self-fabric button/loop closures. Entire dress constructed of zigzag and diamond-shaped fabric pieces, alternately flat or pleated; exceptions are at sleeves and shoulder yoke. Dropped waistline with double self-fabric flounce, very finely pleated. Accompanied by long strip of fabric, same as dress, 3-1/4 wide, that might have been worn as a belt, sash, or scarf. Dress has leather belt of slightly different color: wine red, with diamond-shaped silver metal buckle. Belt might have been stitched to dress at one time - threads are visible at waist level. Clothing label: Jean Patou/7 RUE ST. FLORENTIN/PARIS/ CANNES/MONTE CARLO/BIARRITZ. Numbers on label: 8541/117/76710.
- Date Issued:
- [1925 TO 1926]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- White cotton calico dress, roller-printed with tan stripes, small red dots, and small red stylized flower petal motif in narrow vertical stripe pattern. Long drop sleeves. Pointed front bodice; vertical gauging emanating from point to bustline; whalebone stiffening at center front; darts on either side; side seams; round neck. Skirt gathered at waistline with small bustle. Tucks on sleeve and hem. Piping throughout. Cotton lining. Hook and eye closures. Fine hand stitching. According to the source of purchase, this young girl's dress belonged to a family in Yonkers, New York. With its drop sleeves, pointed bodice, small bustle and boning, it emulates, in simpler form and fabric, adult women's fashion of the time. It is a fine example of ca. 1840 roller-printed calico, with stripes and flower motifs in two-colors - inexpensive and simple. This is the only girl's dress in the collection in which the whalebone remains intact.
- Date Issued:
- [1840 TO 1850]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Date Issued:
- [1825 TO 1875]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- The embroidery on this dress is inspired by the French Empire period.Please note that there are matching shoes for this dress in our collection: object number 89.492.352.3.Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1897 Elizabeth Parke married Harvey S. Firestone Jr., son of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, in 1921.Once described by a friend as, "the most luxurious woman in the history of luxury," Elizabeth Parke Firestone's clothing collection illustrates her impeccable taste in fashion.
- Date Issued:
- [1958 TO 1964]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This lovely, loose-flowing Arts and Crafts-inspired dress belonged to Alleen Kelly Feiss and is the only truly higher-style Arts and Crafts girl's dress in The Henry Ford's collection.The Arts and Crafts-style decorative embroidery is quite distinctive.
- Date Issued:
- 1920-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Another simple yet stunning evening dress and cape by the brilliant and dramatic Spanish-born designer, Cristobal Balenciaga.Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1897 Elizabeth Parke married Harvey S. Firestone Jr., son of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, in 1921.Once described by a friend as, "the most luxurious woman in the history of luxury," Elizabeth Parke Firestone's clothing collection illustrates her impeccable taste in fashion.
- Date Issued:
- [1950 TO 1953]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Worn by Virginia Palmer Bradfield Ward, this is a striking, beautiful dress used for evening wear. The fine but very plain crepe is exquisitely cut, with the rhinestones making the whole dress seem even more streamlined. It likely was worn with a small belt, now gone. Virginia Palmer Bradfield was born 1897 in Grand Rapids, MI. She was born in to one of Michigan's oldest mining families.Her great grandfather, Charles Henry Palmer, was a pioneer investor and developer of mines and railroads in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Her grandfather, Charles Henry Palmer, Jr. continued to run his father's businesses and expanded them, with mines in Montana, Colorado, and Mexico. Her mother, Elizabeth Virginia Palmer Bradfield, continued to look after her family's estate as well as becoming an accomplished sculptress. Her father was Thomas Parks Bradfield, a graduate of University of Michigan and a lawyer. In 1918, Virginia married Harold Lee Ward of Pontiac, MI. Mr. Ward was the grandson of David Ward, one of Michigan's first lumber barons. After some time in California where Harold was stationed as a flying cadet with the Army Signal Corps Aviation Section, the two returned to live in Pontiac and had three daughters, Virginia Palmer Ward Golding, Elizabeth Palmer Ward DeVine and Ann Ward Spaeth.
- Date Issued:
- [1931 TO 1933]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
17. Dress, 1820-1825
- Description:
- This dress descended down through the family of Louise Ogle Scull (1828-1906?), grandmother of the donor. Scull lived in Somerset, Pennsylvania, seat of Somerset County. She is said to have married Edward Scull in 1848. The mancheron of the sleeves is reminiscent of the 1810s, but the waist is lower indicating the 1820-23 period. The Van Dyked trim, collar, puffed oversleeve, and skirt treatment are typical of the early 1820's.
- Date Issued:
- [1820 TO 1825]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This dress is notable as a homemade attempt at fashion: the colors are typical of the period, but the styling a bit naive. The piecing of the lining material is quite resourceful. The length indicates that it would have been used by a girl.
- Date Issued:
- [1870 TO 1880]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
19. Dress, 1905-1910
- Date Issued:
- [1905 TO 1910]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This dress was sewn at home by Ruth Ann Herriott (nee Goodell) when she was a member of the Willing Workers 4-H Club in Eden Township, Benton County, Iowa, near Garrison. She joined the club, referred to as the Eden Willing Workers, in 1942 at age 10; she probably made this in the later 1940s.
- Date Issued:
- [1948 TO 1949]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This is a nice dress for a young girl, perfect for school wear; it has the "pouch" that was popular in the early 20th Century. It is quite worn, well-used and well-washed.
- Date Issued:
- [1900 TO 1915]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Date Issued:
- [1780 TO 1795]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Blue and white plaid cotton smock/apron. Simple one-piece construction with very large armholes and sleeves to fit over other clothing. Broad, rounded, Buster Brown-style collar. Three-button closure at upper back and buttoned self-fabric half-belt across lower back; back otherwise open. Sleeves and upper back gathered at yoke. Many stained and bleached areas on front. Machine stitched. According to the source of purchase, this young girl's smock belonged to the Linsley Simpson family of Northford, Connecticut. The large armholes and sleeves, open back, simple construction, and stains indicate that it was used to cover nicer clothing when doing crafts, cooking, and the like.
- Date Issued:
- [1870 TO 1890]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Elizabeth Parke Firestone wore this dress at a holiday party for the Princeton Club of Akron, Ohio on December 20, 1949. Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1897 Elizabeth Parke married Harvey S. Firestone Jr., son of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, in 1921.Once described by a friend as, "the most luxurious woman in the history of luxury," Elizabeth Parke Firestone's clothing collection illustrates her impeccable taste in fashion.
- Date Issued:
- [1948 TO 1949]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
25. Dress, 1950
- Description:
- Dress in navy silk taffeta with resist print white dots. Five self-fabric buttons for front closure. Wrist-length sleeves and small, high collar. Skirt is full and cut to very wide V in center-front. Back of skirt gathered up and tied with bow just below waist, swagging downward. Self-fabric belt. Clothing label: BALENCIAGA/10 AVENUE GEORGE V/PARIS. Handwritten on tag sewn on back of label: 35316. A Balenciaga mannequin is shown wearing a designer's sample of this dress in a photograph dated 1950.
- Date Issued:
- 1950-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Sleeveless sheath dress in navy blue wool/silk or wool/mohair blend. Composed of two panels, front and back, buttoned together at shoulder and along sides. Back panel pleated from knee-level to hem. Standing collar and hip-level pockets edged with white pique. Separate same-fabric belt edged with black patent leather. F (for front) and B (for back) embroidered at neckline; R (for right) and L (for left) embroidered in pockets. Clothing label: 1837(1?). This dress is not labeled, but it looks like a dress from Dior's Sinuous line, the 1952 Spring Collection.
- Date Issued:
- [1947 TO 1957]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Aqua chiffon chemise dress with off-white lace shawl collar with pleated, scalloped edge. Chiffon skirt made of two panels that cross-over on either side, each with an inset with same pleated lace as collar. Bow on left hip. Attached silk crepe slip edged with same chiffon as dress. Clothing label: Peggy Hoyt/16 EAST 55TH ST. NEW YORK. Handwritten on back of label: Russell Firestone/No. 2327/6-17-29/REPETTI. Russell Firestone was Harvey S. Firestone's brother and Mrs. Firestone's brother-in-law.This garment was owned by Mrs. Harvey Firestone of Detroit, Michigan.
- Date Issued:
- 1929-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This is a fairly inexpensive and rather short ready-to-wear dress for a young girl. It is surely a summer or spring dress - light in color and easily washable. Dresses of this type were often advertised in clothing catalogs of the mid-1880s.
- Date Issued:
- [1880 TO 1890]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
29. Dress, 1828-1832
- Description:
- This dress was worn by Thankful Scott Merritt, wife of Benjamin Merritt. She joined the Society of Friends in 1811, later became a preacher, and was the great-grandmother of the donor. The Merritts were New York Quakers: In Troy from 1813 to 1815; New York City from 1815 to 1830; Troy again by 1834; White Creek from 1842 to 1845; and Staten Island by 1848. Mr. Merritt was first a China merchant and afterwards a dry good merchant.The apron-front dress was very popular from 1828 to 1832. This also shows the emergence of the gigot sleeve; the sleeve and short bodice are early 19th century. The inner bodice would have been convenient for nursing and adaptable for pregnancy. The neckline would have been filled with a kerchief, fichu or chemisette.
- Date Issued:
- [1828 TO 1832]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- White cotton dress roll-printed with with tiny red flower sprig pattern. Long bishop-style sleeves gauged at top. High waist with gathered skirt. Piped seams throughout. Appears to have been constructed from another garment: bodice pieced idiosyncratically, print oriented in different directions, and wear patterns inconsistent. Old stitches and folds visible on inside, indicating old tuck or fold had been let out in order to reuse fabric. Wire hooks and eyes on sleeves not hammered flat. Hand-sewn. This is a fashionable girl's dress that mimics a mother's dress style. With its low shoulder, it does not permit much movement. It is also notable for its reuse of an early roller-print fabric from another garment. That the hooks and eyes on the sleeves are not hammered flat is unusual.
- Date Issued:
- [1845 TO 1938]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This is a plain dress with a more expensive than usual lining fabric. A paper found with the dress indicates that it might be from Northeast Vermont.
- Date Issued:
- [1840 TO 1855]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
32. Dress, 1953
- Description:
- Dior's "New Look" emphasized longer skirts, natural shoulders, a highlighted bust and a slim waist. This dress, made nearly five years after the look was introduced, epitomizes the new, feminine silhouette of the late 1940's and early 1950's.Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1897 Elizabeth Parke married Harvey S. Firestone Jr., son of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, in 1921.Once described by a friend as, "the most luxurious woman in the history of luxury," Elizabeth Parke Firestone's clothing collection illustrates her impeccable taste in fashion.
- Date Issued:
- 1953-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- White silk twill dress with printed blue sprigs, attached long-sleeved lace chemisette, and petticoat. High ruffled lace collar and ruffled lace sleeve cuffs. Self-fabric piping. Self-fabric sash around waist; bow-tied in center-back; padded to form slight bustle. Center-back button closures. Glazed cotton lining. Cotton petticoat with lace hem visible below dress hem, which is slit into panels. Machine lace. Machine and hand-sewn; dressmaker made. This is a fashionable princess-line party dress for a young middle-class girl, with a cuirass body shape and a slight bustle that mimicked adult women's styles of the time. It belonged to the Cutler family of Detroit, Michigan.
- Date Issued:
- [1880 TO 1890]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
34. Dress, 1858-1863
- Date Issued:
- [1858 TO 1863]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Two-piece dress and jacket ensemble. Pale gold crepe dress with shallow scooped neckline and short sleeves edged in grosgrain. Dropped waist with pleated side panels edged with dark gold grosgrain ribbons. Pale gold crepe jacket, hip length, embroidered with very narrow (1/8) gold braid in stylized floral pattern. Collar and cuffs trimmed in light brown fur; pale gold silk lining.
- Date Issued:
- [1921 TO 1922]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
36. Dress
- Description:
- Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1897 Elizabeth Parke married Harvey S. Firestone Jr., son of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, in 1921.Once described by a friend as, "the most luxurious woman in the history of luxury," Elizabeth Parke Firestone's clothing collection illustrates her impeccable taste in fashion.
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Blue dress of fine wool twill. Square, gathered neckline. Gathered cap sleeves. Gathered and pleated bodice lined with cotton. Applied waistband. Box-pleated skirt. Hand-embroidered flowered vine motif around sleeves, waist, hem. Sleeve edging embroidered in the pieceand cut from cloth. Center-back closures of hammered wire hooks and threaded eyes. Hand-sewn. Appears to have been altered to fit fuller torso: bodice lining shows stitching removed to let out pleats, skirt changed from gathering to box pleating. This is a boy's or girl's dress of beautiful fine wool twill, probably used for parties and other special occasions. An example of fine hand-sewing, with an exquisitely sewn hem.
- Date Issued:
- [1840 TO 1850]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This is the earliest child's dress in the Henry Ford collection. While it seems logical that it would close in back, the sleeves are set in in such a way as to indicate a front closure like other short or long gowns. The fabric may well be British. From the Mitchell family of rural New York State.
- Date Issued:
- [1755 TO 1805]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
39. Dress, 1880-1882
- Description:
- This dress reflects the eighteenth century revival look of a pastoral shepherdess. Chambray was not unusual but the seersucker trim was unusual as a trim detail.
- Date Issued:
- [1880 TO 1882]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Muslin dress printed with red, tan and yellow flower sprig motif. Pieced, lined bodice with round neckline and channels for bones at center front. Lawn-lined bishop sleeves. Gauging at top of shoulder, top of sleeves, and center front. Hammered wire hooks and eyes on sleeves; center-back hook and eye closures. Pleated skirt with many repaired holes. Hand-sewn. This is an early and very fashionable dress with a very high waist - mother's styling in a child's dress, including channels for bones to shape a young girl's body. The dress is restrictive, and the arms difficult to move - it was probably reserved for formal occasions. The bodice is pieced together in interesting ways. The sleeves are unlikely to have come before 1835, and the fabric, bodice, and skirt pleats look to be from the 1830s to early 1840s.
- Date Issued:
- [1835 TO 1845]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- A couture piece by Henri Bendel made for Mrs. Edmond DeVine (Elizabeth Palmer Ward DeVine) of Ann Arbor, MI. Mrs. DeVine's portrait was painted wearing this dress, and the painting stills hangs in the family home. This lovely dress has seen a fair amount of wear-- it was surely a special gown worn for special occasions. Elizabeth Palmer Ward DeVine was born in to one of Michigan's oldest mining families.Her great great grandfather, Charles Henry Palmer, was a pioneer investor and developer of mines and railroads in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Her great grandfather, Charles Henry Palmer, Jr. continued to run his father's businesses and expanded them, with mines in Montana, Colorado, and Mexico. Her mother, Virginia Palmer Bradfield Ward was the daughter of an accomplished sculptress, Elizabeth Virginia Palmer Bradfield.
- Date Issued:
- 1958-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
42. Dress, 1855-1865
- Description:
- This dress appears to have been remade in order to incorporate late 1860s fashion. The sleeves suggest the 1860s; the skirt appears to have been remade, and pleated instead of gauged. The dress is pieced to make up the yardage, but in a very deliberate mirror image on each side to make it less noticeable.
- Date Issued:
- [1855 TO 1865]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1897 Elizabeth Parke married Harvey S. Firestone Jr., son of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, in 1921.Once described by a friend as, "the most luxurious woman in the history of luxury," Elizabeth Parke Firestone's clothing collection illustrates her impeccable taste in fashion.
- Date Issued:
- [1951 TO 1952]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Heavy white linen dress printed with medium pink flower and leaf design. Strapless, fitted bodice with heart-shaped neckline. Full skirt. Seams do not match in center-front, sides. Clothing label: BALENCIAGA/10 AVENUE GEORGE V/PARIS. The Henry Ford has interesting correspondence concerning this dress, a design drawing indicating that the original dress had straps, and a photograph of a mannequin in the dress.
- Date Issued:
- 1955-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Horizontally striped taffeta dress in green, blue, pale blue, and pink. Taffeta covered in navy blue machine lace in floral design. Strips of lavender, blue, and pink taffeta applied to lace in front; two vertical, three horizontal. Long rectangular lace shawl with same taffeta strips at either end and two strips placed on diagonal. Strapless bodice boned and slightly elongated at waist.Clothing label: ORIGINAL/CARRIE MUNN/NEW YORK. This garment was owned by Elizabeth Parke Firestone, daughter of Mr. Harvey Firestone of Detroit, Michigan.Elizabeth Parke Firestone wore this dress to the rehearsal dinner for the wedding of her daughter Martha Firestone Ford to Mr. William Clay Ford in June, 1947. The style is typical of Carrie Munn's work.
- Date Issued:
- 1947-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1897 Elizabeth Parke married Harvey S. Firestone Jr., son of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, in 1921.Once described by a friend as, "the most luxurious woman in the history of luxury," Elizabeth Parke Firestone's clothing collection illustrates her impeccable taste in fashion.
- Date Issued:
- [1960 TO 1962]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1897 Elizabeth Parke married Harvey S. Firestone Jr., son of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, in 1921.Once described by a friend as, "the most luxurious woman in the history of luxury," Elizabeth Parke Firestone's clothing collection illustrates her impeccable taste in fashion.
- Date Issued:
- 1954-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Pink silk taffeta dress with flowers embroidered in silk on yoke, sleeve cuffs and skirt. High neck, with ruffled lace forming stand collar. Long set-in sleeves with turnover cuffs. Yoke and drop waist with rather crude hand smocking. Short pleated skirt. Center-back opening with four mother-of-pearl buttons. Machine-sewn, but gathering on bodice is done by large hand-stitching. Some top-stitching executed in machine stitches of chain-stitch with silk thread; interior seams of cotton thread in lock-stitch. Barely visible embroidery pattern stamped in blue on pink silk. This is a nice example of a turn-of-the-century young girl's Mother Hubbard-style party dress. Yoke fronts, low waists, and silk art embroidery were popular during the era, and the front bosom is reminiscent of the pigeon breast look that would have been popular in mother's bodices circa 1900. The dress would have been rather short on a young girl. A barely visible embroidery pattern is stamped in blue on the pink silk, perhaps from a mass-produced pattern.
- Date Issued:
- [1900 TO 1910]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This is an interesting dress in that it appears to be a transitional late 1940s style. It includes features of prewar fashion such as the shoulder pads, but also has some of the fullness in the skirt characteristic of circa 1947 New Look styling. It was owned by Elizabeth Palmer Ward DeVine of Ann Arbor, MI. Elizabeth Palmer Ward DeVine was born in to one of Michigan's oldest mining families.Her great great grandfather, Charles Henry Palmer, was a pioneer investor and developer of mines and railroads in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Her great grandfather, Charles Henry Palmer, Jr. continued to run his father's businesses and expanded them, with mines in Montana, Colorado, and Mexico. Her mother, Virginia Palmer Bradfield Ward was the daughter of an accomplished sculptress, Elizabeth Virginia Palmer Bradfield.
- Date Issued:
- [1948 TO 1952]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Raspberry silk taffeta dress. Floor length with short raglan sleeves and carved, covered buttons. Large, one-piece oval overskirt creates aprons in front and back and open V-shapes on sides with slightly A-line underskirt visible on both sides. Clothing label: Salon Moderne/SAKS FIFTH AVENUE/NEW YORK. Handwritten on label: Mrs. H. Firestone/12-21-49/374. This dress was copied from Dior's 1948 Spring Collection; see Vogue Magazine, March 1, 1948, p.72, and March 15, 1948, p.104.
- Date Issued:
- 1949-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- The dress was probably originally two pieces: a bodice and skirt. The basques of the bodice are now on the inside. The skirt was removed from the waistband, cut down and applied to the bodice, and green silk trimmings added.
- Date Issued:
- [1850 TO 1855]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This type of dress was very popular for railroad travel after the Civil War, and was probably worn in the summertime. One wonders if it functioned as a duster; however, it appears to be fairly close-fitting.
- Date Issued:
- [1870 TO 1880]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
53. Dress, 1854-1856
- Date Issued:
- [1854 TO 1856]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
54. Dress, 1849-1852
- Description:
- This dress has 1840s lines, but 1850's sleeves. It is a classic, inexpensive, middle class silk dress.
- Date Issued:
- [1849 TO 1852]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Dress and jacket of navy blue floral-embroidered net sewn onto flesh-colored silk chiffon attached to navy blue silk faille slip. Net has quilted effect made by tacking down net in area of embroidery, allowing remaining tulle to puff-up around edges. Dress is strapless, with small standing ruffle of net at bodice top. Separate waist-length jacket has navy tie around neckline, elbow length sleeves, and lining of navy blue silk organza. Clothing label: BALENCIAGA/10 AVENUE GEORGE V/PARIS. Handwritten on tag sewn on back of label: 37710. This garment was owned by Elizabeth Parke Firestone, daughter of Mr. Harvey Firestone of Detroit, Michigan.This dress and jacket were worn by Elizabeth Parke Firestone on the R.M.S. Queen Elizabeth in 1950 on one of her annual tours to Europe.
- Date Issued:
- [1947 TO 1953]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Date Issued:
- [1815 TO 1820]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- The detachable sleeves on this dress make for a multi-purpose bodice. The back pleating is unusual and is more common in work and plain dresses, but adds ease. The back opening and narrow sleeves are suggestive of the 1840s. This was probably the better dress of a woman who usually wore cotton.
- Date Issued:
- [1840 TO 1845]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- The puff-over-long sleeve style was seen in women's fashions around 1810-1820. Pastel silks were also used during this period for "best dresses." See: Bradfield, Costume in Detail, pp.107-110; Buck & Cunnington, Children's Costume, p. 195. This dress was probably worn with pantalettes, probably by a little girl, although boys wore similar dresses in this era before the age of about three.
- Date Issued:
- [1810 TO 1825]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Long-sleeved collar-less dress; wool-cotton blend of variegated brown and tan; red trim. Two ruffles descend from shoulders to waist, curving towards back; skirt trimmed horizontally with scallops; self-fabric overlays above hem. Red wool bias tape trim on ruffles, cuffs, scallops, and hem. Body lined with two patterns of brown checked cotton; sleeves lined with red checked cotton. Center-back opens completely; ten button closure. Home machine-made; tension on stitches variable; seams unfinished; some basting stitches evident. Princess-line dresses with long sleeves were popular from the 1860s to the 1880s. According to the donor, this dress was worn by Alice Arick Johnson (born Elmina Alice Arick, 9/20/1877) of Roanoke, Indiana in about 1880, when she was about three. Its construction indicates that it was not expertly made, but machine-made at home from a paper pattern; tension on the stitches is variable, the seams were left unfinished and have begun to unravel, and some basting stitches are evident. The additive trim, which would have been simple to make, adds visual interest.
- Date Issued:
- [1855 TO 1905]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
60. Dress, 1850-1855
- Description:
- An interesting, inexpensive fabric. The sleeve is a little modified from its work dress origins. This was probably the best dress of a lower middle class woman.
- Date Issued:
- [1850 TO 1855]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This might be a boy's tunic, to be worn with trousers, although one wonders if the color and fabric were sufficiently masculine (it might also be a girl's tunic, but appears to be too short). This piece might have been used by the Bowen family of Pennsylvania.
- Date Issued:
- [1840 TO 1850]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Red wool dress with wide shoulders, cap sleeves. Silk-lined Basque bodice with tucked front. Unlined flat-pleated skirt with tuck. Purple silk applique. Piping at waist and sleeve seams. Center-back hook and threaded-eye closure. Expertly hand-sewn; small stitches. This dress is notable for its exquisite workmanship, high styling for a children's garment, and unisex quality. It was probably for a boy, and probably worn with drawers and undersleeves. The bodice tucks and shoulder/sleeve construction suggest the 1850s. However, flat-pleated skirts often appeared earlier, and Basque children's dresses appeared as late as the 1870s.
- Date Issued:
- [1825 TO 1875]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
63. Dress, 1950
- Description:
- Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1897 Elizabeth Parke married Harvey S. Firestone Jr., son of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, in 1921.Once described by a friend as, "the most luxurious woman in the history of luxury," Elizabeth Parke Firestone's clothing collection illustrates her impeccable taste in fashion.
- Date Issued:
- 1950-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This dress was worn by Virginia Palmer Bradfield Ward. It is of a similar style and by the same designer -Lucile- as her wedding dress, and may have been a part of her trousseau. Virginia Palmer Bradfield Ward was born 1897 in Grand Rapids, MI. She was born in to one of Michigan's oldest mining families.Her great grandfather, Charles Henry Palmer, was a pioneer investor and developer of mines and railroads in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Her grandfather, Charles Henry Palmer, Jr. continued to run his father's businesses and expanded them, with mines in Montana, Colorado, and Mexico. Her mother, Elizabeth Virginia Palmer Bradfield, continued to look after her family's estate as well as becoming an accomplished sculptress. Her father was Thomas Parks Bradfield, a graduate of University of Michigan and a lawyer. In 1918, Virginia married Harold Lee Ward of Pontiac, MI. Mr. Ward was the grandson of David Ward, one of Michigan's first lumber barons. After some time in California where Harold was stationed as a flying cadet with the Army Signal Corps Aviation Section, the two returned to live in Pontiac and had three daughters, Virginia Palmer Ward Golding, Elizabeth Palmer Ward DeVine and Ann Ward Spaeth. In a letter to his daughters on his and Virginia's 50th wedding anniversary, Harold Lee Ward described their wedding in detail. He recalls Virginia and her mother going to New York to find her wedding dress (and likely this dress), and describes her as looking "simply beautiful."
- Date Issued:
- [1917 TO 1919]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This outfit could have been made for use by either sex, but was probably made for a boy due to the shortness of the skirt (with knickers probably visible underneath). The printed wool is very fine. The flat-pleating all around suggests an 1850s date. A fashionable dress for warm weather.
- Date Issued:
- [1850 TO 1860]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Patou was one of the most important designers of the early-mid 20th Century. He created fashions for slim, active, petite women like Elizabeth Parke Firestone. This is a cute, bouncy dress for a woman with a young family and many obligations.Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1897 Elizabeth Parke married Harvey S. Firestone Jr., son of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, in 1921.Once described by a friend as, "the most luxurious woman in the history of luxury," Elizabeth Parke Firestone's clothing collection illustrates her impeccable taste in fashion.
- Date Issued:
- [1925 TO 1926]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Deep blue dress. Collar, sleeves, and top of bodice in blue cotton net. Body made of graduated rectangles of dark blue wool, pieced together on blue net; rectangles have blue net star in corners where they meet, formed by cut-out V's in corners of rectangles. Half-slip of blue silk faille. Skirt and slip have been shortened about 1/2 inch.
- Date Issued:
- [1937 TO 1943]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This dress was worn by Virginia Palmer Bradfield Ward for her wedding in 1918. It was an exquisite, expensive gown. It remains in remarkably good condition. The overskirt feels like rayon, which may help to explain the excellent condition of the piece. Virginia Palmer Bradfield Ward was born 1897 in Grand Rapids, MI. She was born in to one of Michigan's oldest mining families.Her great grandfather, Charles Henry Palmer, was a pioneer investor and developer of mines and railroads in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Her grandfather, Charles Henry Palmer, Jr. continued to run his father's businesses and expanded them, with mines in Montana, Colorado, and Mexico. Her mother, Elizabeth Virginia Palmer Bradfield, continued to look after her family's estate as well as becoming an accomplished sculptress. Her father was Thomas Parks Bradfield, a graduate of University of Michigan and a lawyer. In 1918, Virginia married Harold Lee Ward of Pontiac, MI. Mr. Ward was the grandson of David Ward, one of Michigan's first lumber barons. In a letter to his daughters on his and Virginia's 50th wedding anniversary, Harold Lee Ward described their wedding in detail. He recalls Virginia and her mother going to New York to find her wedding dress, and describes her as looking "simply beautiful" in it on their wedding day. After the wedding, the newlyweds traveled to California where Harold was assigned as a flying cadet with the Army Signal Corps Aviation Section. After some time in California, the Wards returned to live in Pontiac and had three daughters, Virginia Palmer Ward Golding, Elizabeth Palmer Ward DeVine and Ann Ward Spaeth.
- Date Issued:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- While this appears to be a day dress at first glance, it was more likely used around the house in the morning as it opens entirely from waist to hem at center front. It may have had boning in the bodice, however the bodice has been altered so it is difficult to determine.Worn by Betsy Ann Cowles Palmer around 1860. Betsy Ann Cowles Palmer was born in 1822. In 1839, she married Charles Henry Palmer, a pioneer investor and developer of mines and railroads in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The Palmer's had five children, Verena Palmer Beaudette, Charles Henry Palmer, Jr., Clarence A. Palmer, Virginia Louise Palmer Pickman, and Philomela Palmer Hoffman.
- Date Issued:
- [1850 TO 1860]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- The high waist, flat-pleating and wide neck on this dress indicate a very early 1840s date of construction. It is an example of girl's "good" clothing parallel to adult women's styles and not necessarily accommodating a child's body and needs. In particular, the wide neck would have been chilly and difficult to keep straight, and the high waist would have been less comfortable for movement. Similarly, the very thin fabric would not have been practical for a young girl.
- Date Issued:
- [1835 TO 1845]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Simplicity, rich material, and subdued color indicate that this redingote and pelerine might be of Quaker origin. The narrow sleeves, long waist and darts are typical of the 1840s, while the pelerine is reminiscent of the 1830s.
- Date Issued:
- [1840 TO 1845]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Light beige cotton gauze dress with polychromatic, peasant-style, machine-embroidered designs in shades of red, turquoise, purple, green, yellow and pink. Bodice and sleeves have floral and leaf pattern. Smocking at hip line, back of neckline, and cuffs. Collar has turquoise cotton cord ties with tassels. Probably ready-to-wear. This garment was owned by Elizabeth Parke Firestone, daughter of Mr. Harvey Firestone of Detroit, Michigan. An important part of the collection, this dress was purchased for Elizabeth Parke Firestone's 1926 trip to Liberia with her husband. She wore it when she met the President of Liberia and his wife. It is light in color and weight and would have been comfortable in Liberia's summer heat. The peasant-style embroidery was popular in the 1920s and shows the influence of the Ballet Russe and the stage costume designs of Leon Bakst.
- Date Issued:
- 1926-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This is a party or special occasion dress, the light washable fabric probably meant for summer wear. The workmanship is exquisite, the gauging tight and beautiful, the hem stitching fine and nearly invisible. With its drop sleeves, gauging, and wide neckline, the line of the dress is very similar to those worn by older women in the early 1840s. The dress is a gift of a New York State family.
- Date Issued:
- [1840 TO 1850]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
74. Dress, 1924
- Description:
- The dress was designed by Callot Soeurs. Callot Soeurs was one of the leading fashion houses in Paris during the 1920s. They catered to an exclusive clientele from across Europe and the United States. The house opened in 1895 at 24, rue Taitbout in Paris, France and was operated by the four Callot sisters: Marie Callot Gerber, Marthe Callot Bertrand, Regina Callot Tennyson-Chantrell and Joséphine Callot Crimont. They were known for their exotic and lavish detail; feminine, delicate fabrics and stylings; and exquisite handwork and attention to detail.Callot Soeurs were among the first designers to use gold and silver lame, fabrics which became very popular in the 1920s.Owned by Virginia Palmer Bradfield Ward, this is a dazzling dress that would have sparkled and swayed as she moved. The shape is typical of the earlier 1920s, as it is a bit larger and less sleek than pieces from the later part of the decade. Virginia Palmer Bradfield Ward was born 1897 in Grand Rapids, MI. She was born in to one of Michigan's oldest mining families.Her great grandfather, Charles Henry Palmer, was a pioneer investor and developer of mines and railroads in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Her grandfather, Charles Henry Palmer, Jr. continued to run his father's businesses and expanded them, with mines in Montana, Colorado, and Mexico. Her mother, Elizabeth Virginia Palmer Bradfield, continued to look after her family's estate as well as becoming an accomplished sculptress. Her father was Thomas Parks Bradfield, a graduate of University of Michigan and a lawyer. In 1918, Virginia married Harold Lee Ward of Pontiac, MI. Mr. Ward was the grandson of David Ward, one of Michigan's first lumber barons. After some time in California where Harold was stationed as a flying cadet with the Army Signal Corps Aviation Section, the two returned to live in Pontiac and had three daughters, Virginia Palmer Ward Golding, Elizabeth Palmer Ward DeVine and Ann Ward Spaeth.
- Date Issued:
- 1924-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This dress is believed to have belonged to Elvira Hill, a Shaker. It would have been worn with a tucker, fichu, chemisette, or modesty scarf of some type at the neckline.
- Date Issued:
- [1835 TO 1860]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Straight, low-waisted, heavily knife-pleated girl's silhouette dresses were very common in the early 1880's; men's suit fashions were also often reflected in women's clothing of the period.
- Date Issued:
- [1880 TO 1885]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This lovely, expensive girl's dress would have been worn for very special occasions and appears to have been seldom used.
- Date Issued:
- [1845 TO 1860]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
78. Dress, 1825-1829
- Description:
- According to the source, the dress fabric was originally made and embroidered around 1785, and made over in the early 19th century.
- Date Issued:
- [1825 TO 1829]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This dress was worn by Thelma D. Nykanen, who was born around 1925 and worked as an executive secretary at General Motors in Detroit, Michigan. She was stylish and enjoyed traveling the world with the travel group known as The Nomads. This dress was printed with multiple stripes at the bottom; all but one stripe was cut off to accommodate Nykanen, who was short.Known as "The Souper Dress," this dress was made between 1966 and 1967, when paper dresses saw some popularity. The maker is unknown - it might have been made by Campbell Soup Co. or by a pop artist working with a manufacturer. It takes off on Andy Warhol's use of the Campbell Soup can image in his pop art; Warhol was a fashion illustrator at the beginning of his career and had been using the soup can image since 1962.
- Date Issued:
- [1966 TO 1968]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
80. Dress, 1949-1950
- Description:
- Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1897 Elizabeth Parke married Harvey S. Firestone Jr., son of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, in 1921.Once described by a friend as, "the most luxurious woman in the history of luxury," Elizabeth Parke Firestone's clothing collection illustrates her impeccable taste in fashion.
- Date Issued:
- 1950-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- White cotton dress with wide, collar-less neck and slightly belled sleeves. Bodice and skirt gathered; tight gauging along center-front and center-back waist. Empty whalebone casing at center-front. Self-fabric piping at neck, waist and sleeves. White embroidery at hem; hem and cuffs finished with irregular scalloping and crochet trim. Two tucks on skirt. Bodice lined with plain-weave cotton; sleeves and skirt unlined. Bodice open at center-back; hammered-wire hook and eye closures. Hand-sewn. This young girl's dress was for parties and other special occasions, and was probably worn during the summer. The styling mimics adult women's fashions of the time. The sewing and gauging is exquisite.
- Date Issued:
- [1840 TO 1850]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
82. Dress, 1921
- Description:
- This dress, along with the dotted Swiss and other calico dresses, was worn by Elizabeth Parke Firestone at the 1921 Vagabonds Camping Expedition after Elizabeth and Harvey, Jr. were asked to cut their Lake Louise honeymoon short to join the Vagabonds (per Mrs. Martha Ford). It therefore seems likely that the dress was worn during the honeymoon. The dress is similar, in some ways, to the dress Elizabeth Parke Firestone wore for her wedding, and it is possible that she designed this and the other calico dresses. The dress is plain, unlined, and not particularly sophisticated, but attractive.Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1897 Elizabeth Parke married Harvey S. Firestone Jr., son of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, in 1921.Once described by a friend as, "the most luxurious woman in the history of luxury," Elizabeth Parke Firestone's clothing collection illustrates her impeccable taste in fashion.
- Date Issued:
- 1921-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This is an interesting use of cotton chambray and tow cloth. A typically comfortable, casual dress for a girl around the turn of the century. Basting remains visible on the front of the dress.
- Date Issued:
- [1890 TO 1900]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Three-piece yellow knitted wool jersey ensemble. Jacket has jewel neckline, bracelet-length sleeves, narrow cuffs, curved seams, mock flap pockets above bustline. Skirt front has inverted pleat. Bodice has jewel neckline, cap sleeves. Clothing label: MAINBOCHER INC. Mrs. Firestone rarely wore yellow, so this is an unusual choice for her.This garment was owned by Mrs. Harvey Firestone of Detroit, Michigan.
- Date Issued:
- [1951 TO 1952]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
85. Dress, 1925-1935
- Description:
- This dress was owned by Virginia Palmer Bradfield Ward. A dramatic and slinky bias cut evening dress, both the styling and the coral color are typical of the mid 1930s. The interesting seaming and panel insets give much visual interest to what might seemingly be a plain dress.Virginia Palmer Bradfield was born 1897 in Grand Rapids, MI. She was born in to one of Michigan's oldest mining families.Her great grandfather, Charles Henry Palmer, was a pioneer investor and developer of mines and railroads in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Her grandfather, Charles Henry Palmer, Jr. continued to run his father's businesses and expanded them, with mines in Montana, Colorado, and Mexico. Her mother, Elizabeth Virginia Palmer Bradfield, continued to look after her family's estate as well as becoming an accomplished sculptress. Her father was Thomas Parks Bradfield, a graduate of University of Michigan and a lawyer. In 1918, Virginia married Harold Lee Ward of Pontiac, MI. Mr. Ward was the grandson of David Ward, one of Michigan's first lumber barons. After some time in California where Harold was stationed as a flying cadet with the Army Signal Corps Aviation Section, the two returned to live in Pontiac and had three daughters, Virginia Palmer Ward Golding, Elizabeth Palmer Ward DeVine and Ann Ward Spaeth.
- Date Issued:
- [1925 TO 1935]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
86. Gown, 1857-1859
- Date Issued:
- [1857 TO 1859]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This is a typical young girl's dress from the early 1880's, when light chambray was a very popular fabic choice for summer wear.
- Date Issued:
- 1885-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This dress, which belonged to the Hungerford family of rural New York State and could have been worn by a girl or boy, has features dating from a broad span of years. The bodice is constructed to reflect, in very simple form, a woman's bodice with a faux busk pocket or channel in the center front, which seems more late eighteenth than early nineteenth century. It appears to be a bit later than the collection's other woodblock-printed Mitchell family dress (object no. 35.894.1).
- Date Issued:
- [1780 TO 1830]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
89. Dress, 1828-1832
- Description:
- The full sleeves, boat neckline, and short waist of this dress suggest a date of around 1830; the silk is expensive.
- Date Issued:
- [1828 TO 1832]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
90. Dress, 1952
- Description:
- Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1897 Elizabeth Parke married Harvey S. Firestone Jr., son of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, in 1921.Once described by a friend as, "the most luxurious woman in the history of luxury," Elizabeth Parke Firestone's clothing collection illustrates her impeccable taste in fashion.
- Date Issued:
- 1952-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
91. Dress, 1845-1847
- Description:
- The simple bodice indicates that this dress was worn with a lace bertha and sleeve ruffles. The bust improvers, bodice construction and skirt are typical of the period. The dress was possibly remade from an earlier 1830s silk.
- Date Issued:
- [1845 TO 1847]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection