Caroline Harrison's 1889 Inaugural Gown
Object Details
- wearer
- Harrison, Caroline Lavinia Scott
- associated institution
- Logan Silk Company
- manufacturer
- Logan Silk Company
- Ghormley, Robes et Manteaux
- textile designer
- Williamson, Mary
- Description
- In keeping with the "America first" economic policy of her husband, Benjamin Harrison, Caroline Harrison's gown for the 1889 inaugural ball at the Pension Building was an "all-American" creation. The gown was made in New York City by William Ghormley's firm, Ghormley, Robes et Manteaux. The fabric for the dress was produced by the Logan Silk Company in Auburn, New York. Indiana artist Mary Williamson designed the brocaded silk fabric in a pattern of bur oaks in tribute to Benjamin Harrison's grandfather, President William Henry Harrison. Burr oaks trees grew along Tippecanoe Creek, the battle site that earned the older Harrison his famous nickname.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Credit Line
- Gift of Benjamin Harrison McKee and Mrs. Mary McKee Reisinger
- Associated Date
- 1889
- ID Number
- PL.044328
- catalog number
- 44328
- accession number
- 170780
- Object Name
- dress
- Dress
- Physical Description
- silk (overall material)
- Place Made
- United States: New York, New York City
- See more items in
- Political History: Political History, General History Collection
- Government, Politics, and Reform
- National Museum of American History
- Subject
- Costume
- First Ladies
- Inauguration
- related event
- Presidential Inauguration of 1897
- Record ID
- nmah_523792
- Metadata Usage (text)
- CC0
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a3-5c65-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
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