Old Rags

Boots, 1880’s, Nevada State Museum

These are killer

Photo of First Lady Frances Cleveland in an evening dress, ca 1886 United States, Smithsonian Museum of American History

Ballgown worn by First Lady Helen Taft by the Frances Smith Co, 1909 United States, Smithsonian Museum of American History

This was worn to the inaugural ball.

Evening dress worn by Grace Coolidge, ca 1923-29 United States, Smithsonian Museum of American History

Evening dress worn by First Lady Florence Harding by Harry Collins, ca 1921-23 United States, Smithsonian Museum of American History

Evening dress worn by First Lady Frances Cleveland by Baltimore dressmaker Lottie Barton, ca 1893-97 United States, Smithsonian Museum of American History

This one is unusual.  It looks like it was inspired by the 1780’s.

Evening dress worn by First Lady Lucy Hayes, 1880 United States, Smithsonian Museum of American Art

This was worn to the White House’s New Years Eve reception

Dress worn by First Lady Sarah Polk, late 1840’s and 1880’s United States, Smithsonian Museum of American Art

It used to be that reusing and modifying old clothing passed down within a family was relatively common, especially with morning dress.  This dress, however, was made into an evening dress to be worn by Sarah Polk’s niece in the 1880’s.  It’s too bad there are so many stains on it.  That ice blue is beautiful.

(Formerly) evening dress worn by First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln, 1861 United States, Smithsonian Museum of American History

This dress originally had an evening bodice, but it was replaced later in the century with the day bodice you see here, made from fabric from the skirt.  I can’t imagine her fitting into this bodice…It must have been meant for display.

Open robe worn by First Lady Dolley Madison, late 1810’s United States, Smithsonian Museum of American History

Dress worn by First Lady Martha Washington, early 1780’s United States, Smithsonian Museum of American History