|
OVERVIEW OF THE COLLECTION
Title: Dorothy Shaver Papers
Collection Date(s): circa 1920–1959; undated (bulk 1945–1959)
Extent and Forms of Material: 6 cubic feet, including photographs and audio recordings (22 boxes, 32 audiocassette tapes, 14 audio tapes and 1 CD)
Creator: Dorothy Shaver
Abstract: This collection contains the personal and professional papers of Dorothy Shaver, one of the best-known female executives in the 1950s; Shaver became the first female president of Lord & Taylor in 1945.
Repository: Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. archivescenter@si.edu 202 633 3270 www.americanhistory.si.edu/archives
Collection Number: AC0631
Processing Note: Processed by Mimi Minnick, January 1993. Revised by Mimi Minnick, June 1997. Reviewed by Julie Pepera (intern), March 2006. Re-processed by Danleigh Kaplan (intern), February, 2007; supervised by Vanessa Broussard-Simmons, archivist.
INFORMATION FOR USERS OF THE COLLECTION
Conditions Governing Access: The collection is open for research use.
Physical Access: Researchers must handle unprotected photographs with gloves. Researchers must use reference copies of audio-visual materials. When no reference copy exists, the Archives Center staff will produce reference copies on an “as needed” basis, as resources allow.
Technical Access: Do not use originals when original materials are available on reference video or audio tapes.
Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use: Copyright held by the Smithsonian Institution. Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Reproduction permission from Archives Center: fees for commercial use.
Preferred Citation: Title and date of item, Dorothy Shaver Papers, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, box number X, folder number XX, digital file number XXXXXXXX
IN-DEPTH INFORMATION ABOUT THE COLLECTION
Biographical History:
Dorothy Shaver was born on July 29, 1893 in Center Point, Arkansas to, Sallie Borden and James D. Shaver, a lawyer and judge. After graduating from Mena High School in 1910, Dorothy went on to study at the University of Arkansas and the University of Chicago. She moved to New York City with her sister Elsie, an artist, in the 1920s. Acting as an agent for her sister, Dorothy sold some of Elsie’s fashion drawings to the department store Lord & Taylor. Dorothy also promoted Elsie’s “Five Little Shaver” dolls, which became a major fad after Lord & Taylor introduced them.
Impressed, Lord & Taylor hired Dorothy Shaver to head its Comparative Shopping Bureau, the main purpose of which was to spy on other department stores. Shaver eventually reorganized this department to create a Bureau of Stylists in an effort to improve Lord & Taylor’s merchandising strategy and set the pace for style in New York. Her career with Lord & Taylor skyrocketed from there. In 1927, Shaver became a member of Lord & Taylor’s board of directors and in 1931, she was named a vice president. In 1937, she was elevated to first vice president and on December 19, 1945, she was named president of Lord &Taylor, becoming one of the first female executives of a large department store. One year later, she was elected to the board of directors of the Associated Dry Goods Corporation, of which Lord & Taylor was a division.
Under Shaver’s direction, Lord & Taylor became one of the first department stores to sell clothing specifically designed for different subsets of their customer base; teenaged girls, young adult women, petite women, and career women. She also introduced a bridal shop and a maternity department. She was known for her unique merchandising techniques, such as spraying perfume from the store’s marquee in an effort to sell perfume and attract customers. Six suburban branches were opened under her leadership (Manhasset, New York, 1941; Scarsdale, New York, 1948; Millburn, New Jersey, 1949; West Hartford, Connecticut, 1953; Bala-Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, 1954; and Garden City, New York, 1956).
Shaver was also known for her early recognition of American fashion designers. She promoted the “American Look” as a fashion trend, putting American designers on par with French designers. Her efforts fueled the careers of many American designers including Clare Potter, Claire McCardle, and Nettie Rosenstein. In 1937, Shaver established the American Design Awards, an annual event hosted by Lord & Taylor highlighting the achievements of innovators in the fields of design, the arts, housing, education, the sciences, and international relations.
Shaver also helped establish the Museum of Costume Art, which became the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1944. She was chairman of the institute’s executive committee and was a member of the Museum’s board of trustees. In 1942, as a merchandising consultant to the office of Quartermaster General, Shaver supervised the design of new uniforms and accessories for nurses in the military.
Shaver received numerous citations and awards over the course of her life, including honorary degrees from Syracuse University (1947), Bates College (1949), New York University (1950), Russell Sage College (1951), Lafayette College (1957), and Wheaton College (1957).
Shaver suffered a stroke and died soon after on June 28, 1959; she is buried in Texarkana, Arkansas. Her gravestone has the year of her birth as 1897, four years later than her actual birth date. This error apparently was done on the instruction of her sister, Elsie, because the two women enjoyed misrepresenting their ages.
Scope and Content: This collection documents the personal and professional life of Dorothy Shaver. Types of materials include correspondence, clippings, biographical narratives, interviews, statements to the press, event programs, speeches, certificates, obituaries, awards and honorary degrees, souvenir publications, advertisements, scrapbooks, planning documents, travel itineraries, notes, invitations, seating lists, photographs, and audio recordings. These materials range in date from 1920 to 1959, but the bulk date is from 1945 to 1959. Those interested in the history of women in business, fashion merchandising, the department store Lord & Taylor, the “American Look” as a fashion trend, and the creation of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art will find this collection useful.
Series 1, Personal Papers and Biographical Information, 1920s–1959; undated, includes correspondence, newspaper clippings, biographical narratives, interviews, statements to the press, event programs, speeches, certificates, memorials and obituaries. Together, these materials document Shaver’s personal life, her achievements and interests, and the awards and honors she received. This series is divided into three subseries; 1) Biographical Information, 2) Correspondence, and 3) Awards and Honorary Degrees.
Subseries 1, Biographical Information, 1920s–1959; undated, contains documents about Shaver’s life, accomplishments, and personal philosophies. Types of materials include clippings, biographical narratives, and interviews, statements to the press, memorials and obituaries.
Many of the articles, interviews, and typed statements focus on her philosophies and opinions on business in general, women in business, personal and professional growth, creativity, fashion, and public service. A transcript of her This I Believe statement written and recorded for presentation as part of Edward R. Murrow’s “This I Believe” daily radio series and weekly newspaper feature is included in this subseries. The subject of this statement is about being an active citizen of society and making a personal contribution to the world. Also included in this subseries is a minimal amount of information on “Little Shaver” dolls in the form of clippings. Items in this series are arranged chronologically.
Subseries 2, Correspondence, 1942–1959; undated, consists of incoming and outgoing letters between Shaver and her friends and colleagues. Subjects addressed in the correspondence include personal matters, travel, current events, congratulatory letters, and invitations. This series is arranged chronologically.
Subseries 3, Awards and Honorary Degrees, 1930–1958; undated, includes newspaper clippings, event programs, speeches, correspondence, honorary diplomas, and commemorative publications associated with awards and honorary degrees bestowed on Shaver throughout the course of her life. Materials in this subseries are arranged alphabetically.
Series 2, Professional Papers, 1927–1959; undated, includes the professional papers of Shaver as an employee and president of Lord & Taylor. Types of materials include correspondence, clippings, policy statements, press releases, travel itineraries, speeches, advertisements, souvenir publications, planning documents, invitations, scrapbooks, event programs, and notes related to Lord & Taylor operations, promotions, and events. This series is divided into four subseries: 1) Lord & Taylor Operations, 2) The “American Look,” 3) American Design Awards, and 4) Major Exhibitions and Special Events.
Subseries 1, Lord & Taylor Operations, 1927–1959; undated, includes correspondence, clippings, policy statements, press releases, travel itineraries, speeches, advertisements, souvenir publications and other papers related to Lord & Taylor operations. These materials document Lord & Taylor’s selling techniques and philosophies on store aesthetics, their corporate standards and goals, employee relations, store openings, awards, and their views and strategies regarding fashion, marketing, and consumer trends.
Correspondence in this subseries is both incoming and outgoing; topics discussed include upcoming promotions and events, possible locations for new Lord & Taylor stores, advertising ideas, VIP visits, meetings with other department store executives, and public relations. Also present in this subseries is a minimal number of clippings, itineraries, and correspondence related to Shaver’s travel on official company business to view fashion shows, learn about fashion trends, and attend corporate board meetings. Materials in this subseries are arranged alphabetically by type of document or subject.
Subseries 2, The “American Look,” about 1930–1959; undated, includes newspaper clippings, advertisements, press releases, correspondence, and speeches related to Shaver’s promotion of American fashion designers and the “American Look” as a fashion trend. Materials in this series are arranged chronologically.
Subseries 3, American Design Awards, 1945–1958; undated, includes papers associated with the American Design Awards, an annual event established by Lord & Taylor in 1937 to highlight the achievements of American fashion and industrial designers. In the 1940s, the focus of the awards changed to highlight innovations related to the war effort and, later, world affairs and research initiatives. This subseries includes correspondence, notes, planning documents, lists of organizing committee members, invitations, event programs, seating lists, speeches, press releases, souvenir publications, and clippings associated with this event.
Of special note is the 1955 American Design Awards luncheon which was themed “The Story of New York.” At this ceremony, Shaver delivered a speech accompanied by images of New York City that focused on its energy and vitality. This presentation was so well received that the text of her speech and the images were published in book format by Thomas J. Watson, Sr. (former president of International Business Machines) and given to various organizers and attendees of the event as a souvenir. A copy of this publication is in the collection. Items in this subseries are arranged chronologically. Photographs taken at these events can be found in Series 4.
Subseries 4, Major Exhibitions and Special Events, 1928–1958, includes correspondence, press releases, invitations, event programs, schedules, and clippings related to major exhibitions and special events held by Lord & Taylor. These events typically showcased home furnishings, art, clothing, and textiles from around the world and offered for sale to Lord & Taylor customers. Also present is an oversized scrapbook documenting Lord & Taylor’s 1928 Exposition of Modern French Decorative Art. It includes clippings, event programs, and photographs of the event. Photographs related to this event and as other Lord & Taylor events can be found in series 4. Materials in this subseries are arranged alphabetically by title of event.
Series 3, Social and Professional Activities, 1928–1959; undated, includes correspondence, invitations, clippings, event programs, meeting minutes, brochures, and speeches related to Shaver’s social, professional, and philanthropic activities. These activities include the boards she served on, events she helped organize, organizations she was a member of and/or established, and fundraising campaigns with which she was associated.
Materials in this series are arranged alphabetically by title of organization. A miscellaneous folder filed at the end of this series includes fragments of information about various events and organizations. Also at the end of this series are administrative files that tracked invitations received by Shaver and her responses.
Series 4, Photographs, about 1920–1959; undated, documents Shaver’s personal and professional life. It is arranged into three subseries: 1) Personal, 2) Lord & Taylor, and 3) Social and Professional Activities.
Subseries 1, Personal, 1950 – 1959; undated, include professional portraits of Shaver, images of “Little Shaver” dolls, paintings by Elsie Shaver, an exhibition of Elsie’s paintings and sculptures, images of Dorothy Shaver accepting awards and honorary degrees, and an image of a memorial window display set up by Lord & Taylor after Dorothy Shaver’s death. Some of the photographs have captions describing the image. Materials in this subseries are arranged alphabetically by subject.
Subseries 2, Lord & Taylor, circa 1920–1959; undated, includes photographs of Dorothy Shaver’s office, Lord & Taylor store openings, window displays, Lord & Taylor events and exhibitions, and the annual American Design Awards luncheon. Some of these images were annotated by Lord & Taylor employees, Elsie Shaver, or news reporting services.
The window displays are arranged by date and feature clothing for sale at Lord & Taylor. Many of the window displays focus on specific American designers such as Tom Brigance, Hattie Carnegie, Herbert Kasper, Claire McCardell, Monte-Sano and Pruzan, Clare Potter, and Ben Zuckerman. Other designers such as Emilio Pucci and Christian Dior are also featured. Some of the window displays feature clothing and other wares from France, Italy, and England. Another display promotes the New York Philharmonic. Window displays featuring Elsie Shaver’s cotton sculptures are also present. Accompanying a few of these images are printed “Views & Reviews” cards from the Retail Reporting Bureau featuring a color image of the window display and a description of its contents.
Images of Lord & Taylor exhibitions and events include photographs of the British Fortnight event held in 1958, the Exposition of Modern French Decorative Art held in 1928, the annual “Hello Spring” event, and the “Antiques Shop” which Dorothy Shaver established early in her career at Lord & Taylor. It is unclear whether the “Antiques Shop” was a one-time event, a distinct department of Lord & Taylor, or an annual event. Materials in this subseries are arranged alphabetically by subject.
Subseries 3, Social and Professional Activities, 1942–1957; undated, includes photographs of Shaver attending various events associated with her social and professional activities. Eleanor Roosevelt is featured in some images. Photographs in this subseries are arranged alphabetically by name of organization, event, or activity.
Series 5, Audio Recordings, 1946–1948; 1956, 1973, consists of speeches by Shaver, presentations at the American Design Awards Luncheons, and interviews.
Subseries 1, Reference Audio Cassette Tapes and CD, 1946–1948; 1956 containsreference copies created by the Archives Center of the original speeches, presentations, and interviews.
Subseries 2,MasterAudio Tapes, 1946–1948; 1956, 1973, containspreservation master copies not intended for research use.
Subseries 3, Original Audio Cassette Tapes, 1946–1948; 1956, contains the original copies of the speeches, presentations, and interviews.
System of Arrangement:
- Series 1, Personal Papers, 1920s–1959; undated
- Subseries 1, Biographical Information, 1920s–1959; undated
- Subseries 2, Correspondence, 1942–1959; undated
- Subseries 3, Awards and Honorary Degrees, circa 1930–1958; undated
- Series 2, Professional Papers, 1927–1959; undated
- Subseries 1, Lord & Taylor Operations, 1927–1959; undated
- Subseries 2, The “American Look,” circa 1930–1959; undated
- Subseries 3, American Design Awards, 1945–1958; undated
- Subseries 4, Exhibitions and events, 1928–1958
- Series 3, Social and Professional Activities, 1928–1959; undated
- Series 4, Photographs, about 1920–1959; undated
- Subseries 1, Personal, 1950–1959; undated
- Subseries 2, Lord & Taylor, circa 1920–1959; undated
- Subseries 3, Social and Professional Activities, 1942–1957; undated
- Series 5, Audio Recordings, 1946-1948; 1956, 1973
- Subseries 1, Reference Audio Cassette Tapes and CD, 1946-1948; 1956
- Subseries 2, Master Audio Tapes, 1946-1948; 1956, 1973
- Subseries 3, Original Audio Cassette Tapes, 1946–1948; 1956
Languages: Some articles and correspondence in French. One article is in either Persian or Arabic.
Acquisition Information: This collection was donated to the Museum’s Division of Home and Community Life by Dorothy Shaver’s sister, Elsie Shaver, in 1973, at which time an oral history interview was conducted with Elsie Shaver.
Custodial History: Transferred to the Archives Center from the Division of Home and Community Life, 1998.
Related Archival Materials: The Archives Center possesses a variety of collections and an online exhibit that relate to the Dorothy Shaver Papers in subject matter and sphere of activity. They include: Freda Diamond Collection, circa 1945–1984, #616, Estelle Ellis Collection, 1944–1994, #423, Brownie Wise Papers, circa 1928–1968, #509, and California Shop Records, 1938–1942, #572
There is an online exhibit, Setting the Precedent: Four Women Who Excelled in Business, featuring Freda Diamond, Estelle Ellis, Dorothy Shaver, and Brownie Wise. http://americanhistory.si.edu/archives/WIB-tour/mainMovie.html acessed on November 27, 2007.
Related Artifacts: The Division of Home and Community Life holds artifacts related to this collection including an inkstand, two pencils, a cigarette case, and a charm bracelet owned by Dorothy Shaver.
Access Points:
Subject/Topical:
Costume design
Women in business – 20th century
Subject/Name:
Lord & Taylor
Brigance, Tom
Carnegie, Hattie
Dior, Christian
Kasper, Herbert
McCardell, Claire
Monte-Sano
Potter, Clare
Pucci, Emilio
Zuckerman, Ben
Form/Genre:
Photographs-1900-2000
Scrapbooks-20th century
Clippings – 20th century
Professional Papers
Audiotapes
CONTAINER LISTING
Box |
Folder |
|
|
|
Series 1, Personal Papers, 1920s–1959; undated |
|
|
Subseries 1, Biographical Information, 1920s–1959; undated |
1 |
1 |
Little Shavers, circa 1920s |
16 |
1 |
Little Shavers, circa 1920s |
1 |
2 |
Personal philosophies, 1930-1958; undated |
14 |
1 |
Personal philosophies,1932-1952; undated |
1 |
3 |
Biographical clippings and articles, 1931-1959; undated |
14 |
2 |
Biographical clippings and articles, 1928-1956; undated |
16 |
2 |
Biographical clippings and articles, undated |
1 |
4 |
“This I Believe,” 1953-1955 |
|
5 |
Biographical information, 1954-1957; undated |
|
6 |
Obituaries and articles about Shaver’s death, 1959 |
14 |
3 |
Obituaries and articles about Shaver’s death, 1959 |
1 |
7 |
Correspondence, resolutions, and other papers related to Shaver’s death, 1959 |
14 |
4 |
Correspondence, resolutions, and other papers related to Shaver’s death, 1959 |
|
5 |
Materials relating to Elsie Shaver, 1942 |
|
6 |
Elsie Shaver paintings, undated |
|
7 |
Clippings about Elsie Shaver |
|
|
Subseries 2, Correspondence, 1942–1959; undated |
1 |
8 |
Correspondence, 1942-1954 |
|
9 |
Correspondence, 1955-1959 |
|
10 |
Correspondence, undated |
|
|
Subseries 3, Awards and Honorary Degrees, circa 1930–1958; undated |
|
11 |
Advertising Club of Washington, Award of Achievement, 1957 |
|
12 |
Arkansas State Society Certificate of Merit, 1949 |
|
13 |
Arkansas Traveler Award, 1949 |
|
|
Arkansas Traveler Award, 1949 |
|
14 |
Art Directors Club Award, 1955 |
|
|
Arthritis and Rheumatism Foundation, Certificate of Appreciation, undated |
|
15 |
American Woman’s Association Award for Eminent Achievement, 1950 |
16 |
3 |
Awards and Honorary Degrees, A-M, 1930-1958 |
|
4 |
Awards and Honorary Degrees, N-Z, 1930-1958 |
1 |
16 |
Bates College Honorary Degree, 1949 |
2 |
1 |
Bates College Honorary Degree, 1949 |
|
|
Boston Conference on Distribution, Hall of Fame Award, 1953 |
|
2 |
British Leather Goods Export Group Award, 1955 |
|
3 |
Brotherhood Award, National Conference of Christians and Jews, 1954 |
|
4 |
Cross of the Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, 1950 |
|
|
Crusade for Freedom, Citation, 1951 |
|
|
Department of the Army, Certificate of Appreciation, and Citation, 1950 |
|
|
Elmira College, Centennial Commission Member, 1955 |
|
5 |
Eta Mu Pi, Alpha Chapter, New York University, Honorary Membership, 1957 |
|
6 |
Fashion Originators’ Guild of America, Incorporated Award, 1947 |
|
|
Fashion Trades, Statesman of Industry Award, 1946 |
|
|
Fashion Trade Group, Incorporated, Certificate of Tribute, 1951 |
|
7 |
Golden Cup of Good Taste Award, 1958 |
|
|
Golden Slipper Square Club, Citation of Achievement, 1956 |
|
8 |
Hall of Fame of Distribution, 1953 |
|
9 |
Horatio Alger Award, 1948 |
|
10 |
Interfaith Award, Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America, 1954 |
|
|
Journal American, Certificate of Appreciation, 1956 |
|
11 |
Lafayette College Honorary Degree, 1952 |
|
|
Lafayette College Honorary Degree, 1952 |
|
|
Metropolitan Museum of Art, Honorary Fellow, 1945 |
|
|
Metropolitan Museum of Art, Industrial Fellowship Member, 1945 |
|
|
Metropolitan Opera Fund, Certificate of Appreciation, 1951-52 |
|
12 |
National Jewish Hospital at Denver Award, 1957 |
|
13 |
New York Board of Trade Mercantile Award, 1958 |
|
|
New York City, Mayor’s Committee, 1948 |
|
|
New York City, Salute to Seasons Honor Citation, 1959 |
|
|
New York Committee, Distinguished Service Certificate, 1956 |
|
|
New York State, Honorary Economic Commission Appointment, 1959 |
|
|
New York Public Library, Certificate of Appreciation, 1951 |
|
|
New York University Honorary Degree, 1950 |
|
14 |
New York University Honorary Degree, 1950 |
|
15 |
New York University Honorary Degree, 1950 |
|
16 |
New York University Honorary Degree, 1950 |
14 |
8 |
New York University Honorary Degree, 1950 |
2 |
17 |
Public Relations Society of America Citation, 1958 |
|
|
Public Relations Society of America Citation, 1958 |
|
|
Quartermaster General, Certificate of Appreciation, 1944 |
|
18 |
Russell Sage College Honorary Degree, 1951 |
|
19 |
Russell Sage College Honorary Degree, 1951 |
|
20 |
Society of New York Dress Designers Award, 1953 |
|
|
Society of New York Dress Designers Award, 1953 |
|
21 |
Star of Solidarity, Republic of Italy, 1954 |
|
|
Star of Solidarity, Republic of Italy, 1954 |
|
22 |
Syracuse University Honorary Degree, 1947 |
|
|
Syracuse University Honorary Degree, 1947 |
3 |
1 |
Treasury Silver Medal Award, 1946 |
|
2 |
United States Navy, Civil Citation, 1957 |
|
|
War Department, Certificate of Appreciation, 1946 |
|
3 |
Washington Advertising Club Award of Achievement, 1957 |
|
4 |
Wheaton College Honorary Degree, 1957 |
|
5 |
Wheaton College Honorary Degree, 1957 |
|
6 |
Woman of Achievement Citation, Federation of Jewish Women’s Organizations, 1950 |
|
7 |
Women’s City Club of New York, Incorporated, Guest of Honor, 1946 |
|
8 |
Women’s International Institute Exposition, Achievement Award, 1956 |
|
|
Women’s National Institute Incorporated, Women in Industry Award, 1956 |
|
|
Series 2, Professional Papers, 1927-1959; undated |
|
|
Subseries 1, Lord & Taylor Operations, 1927-1959; undated |
14 |
9 |
Advertising-General, 1938, 1951; undated |
3 |
9 |
Advertising-Radio, 1937-1959; undated |
|
10 |
Advertising-Reader’s Digest, 1957 |
|
11 |
Award, Golden Slipper Square Club, 1956 |
|
12 |
Clippings, 1932-1958; undated |
14 |
10 |
Clippings, 1933-1958; undated |
3 |
13 |
Correspondence, 1946-1959; undated |
|
14 |
Employee relations, benefits, and honors, 1947-1958; undated |
|
15 |
Events and displays, 1950-1958; undated |
|
16 |
History of Lord & Taylor, undated |
|
17 |
International Council of Women Luncheon, 1957 |
|
18 |
J.W. Robinson Company Advisory Board, 1955-1956 |
|
19 |
Lord & Taylor Laboratory, 1944-1945 |
|
20 |
Policies and store philosophies, 1948-1958; undated |
|
21 |
Retail as a career option, 1944-1957; undated |
|
22 |
Speeches to executive training classes, 1927-1957; undated |
4 |
1 |
Statements to the press and interviews, 1953-1954; undated |
18 |
1 |
Store opening, Manhasset, New York, undated |
|
|
Store opening, West Hartford, Connecticut, 1953 February 26 |
4 |
2 |
Store openings, 1953–1955; undated |
|
3 |
Travel abroad, 1932–1957; undated |
|
4 |
Trends–fashion, 1930–1945; undated |
14 |
11 |
Trends–fashion, undated |
4 |
5 |
Trends–marketing and consumer buying, 1957 |
|
|
Subseries 2, The “American Look,” circa 1930s–1959; undated |
4 |
6 |
Clippings and articles about American designers, 1931-1959; undated |
14 |
12 |
Clippings and articles about American designers, 1933-1947; undated |
4 |
7 |
Speeches about American designers, circa 1930s-1940s |
|
8 |
Clippings and articles about the “American Look,” 1932-1954; undated |
14 |
13 |
Clippings and articles about the “American Look,” undated |
|
14 |
Clippings and articles about the “American Look,” 1933-1953, undated |
18 |
2 |
Advertisement, American Designer Movement, April 9, 1933 |
4 |
9 |
“American Look” binder with press release and correspondence, 1945 |
|
10 |
Other papers related to the American Designer Movement, undated |
|
|
Subseries 3, American Design Awards, 1945-1958; undated |
4 |
11 |
American Design Awards, 1945 |
|
12 |
American Design Awards, 1946 |
|
13 |
American Design Awards, 1947 |
|
14 |
American Design Awards, 1948 |
5 |
1 |
American Design Awards, 1949 |
|
2 |
American Design Awards, 1950 |
|
3 |
American Design Awards, 1951 |
|
4 |
American Design Awards, 1952 |
|
5 |
American Design Awards, 1952 (copy of speech requests) |
|
6 |
American Design Awards, 1953 |
|
7 |
American Design Awards, 1954 |
6 |
1 |
American Design Awards, 1955 (The Story of New York) |
|
2 |
American Design Awards, 1955 (The Story of New York) |
13 |
1 |
American Design Awards, 1955 (The Story of New York) |
|
2 |
American Design Awards, 1955 (The Story of New York) |
6 |
3 |
American Design Awards, 1956 |
|
4 |
American Design Awards, 1957 |
|
5 |
American Design Awards, 1958 |
|
6 |
American Design Awards, undated |
17 |
1 |
American Design Awards, 1948-1958, undated |
|
|
Subseries 4, Major exhibitions and special events, 1928–1958 |
7 |
1 |
British Fortnight, 1958 |
13 |
3 |
British Fortnight, 1958 |
17 |
2 |
British Fortnight, 1958 |
7 |
2 |
Exhibition of Imports, 1956 |
|
3 |
Exhibition of Imports, 1957 |
|
4 |
Exposition of Modern French Decorative Art, 1928 |
15 |
1 |
Exposition of Modern French Decorative Art scrapbook pages 1-18, 1928 |
|
2 |
Exposition of Modern French Decorative Art scrapbook pages 19-38, 1928 |
|
3 |
Exposition of Modern French Decorative Art scrapbook pages 39-56, 1928 |
|
4 |
Exposition of Modern French Decorative Art scrapbook pages 57-76, 1928 |
|
|
Series 3, Social and Professional Activities, 1928–1959; undated |
7 |
5 |
Advertising Federation of America, 1942 |
|
6 |
Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation, 1951 |
|
7 |
American Association for the United Nations, Incorporated, 1952–1958 |
|
8 |
American Council on Education, Conference on Women in the Defense Decade, 1951 |
|
9 |
American Council NATO, Incorporated, 1958–1959 |
|
10 |
American Craftsman, 1948 |
|
11 |
American Federation of Arts, 1953 |
|
12 |
American Heart Association, Heart Fund Campaign, 1959 |
|
13 |
American–Korean Foundation, 1953–1954 |
|
14 |
American National Exhibit in Moscow, 1959 |
|
15 |
American–Scandinavian Foundation, 1954; undated |
|
16 |
American Theatre Wing, 1957–1958 |
|
17 |
April in Paris Ball, 1958 |
|
18 |
Art in Industry Associates, 1928 |
|
19 |
Arts Directors Club, 1942 |
|
20 |
Arthritis and Rheumatism Foundation, 1949 |
|
21 |
Boys Harbor, 1955 and undated |
14 |
15 |
Boys Harbor, 1955 |
7 |
22 |
Columbia University, Council of the School of General Studies, 1952–1959 |
|
23 |
Commerce and Industry Association of New York, Committee on Housing, 1955 |
|
24 |
Committee for Economic Development, 1951–1959; undated |
|
25 |
Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, 1956–1957 |
|
26 |
Crusade for Freedom, 1951–1956; undated |
|
27 |
Elmira College Centennial Commission, 1955 |
|
28 |
Eternal Light Award, dinner honoring Ogden R. Reid, 1957 |
|
29 |
Experiment in International Living, 1956–1957 |
|
30 |
Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies, Incorporated, 1954–1958; undated |
|
31 |
Fifth Avenue Association, 1957–1958; undated |
|
32 |
Foreign Press Association, 1958 |
|
33 |
Benjamin Franklin 250 th Anniversary Celebration, Incorporated, 1956 |
|
34 |
Fashion Group, 1934–1959; undated |
|
35 |
Girls Clubs of America, 1955–1957; undated |
|
36 |
Greater New York Fund, 1950–1957 |
|
37 |
Handicraft Development, Incorporated, 1947 |
|
38 |
Hudson Celebration of 1959 |
|
39 |
Home Fashions League Incorporated, 1951–1955 |
|
40 |
Hundred Year Association of New York, Incorporated, 1952–1959 |
|
41 |
Institute of Contemporary Art, 1949 |
|
42 |
International Rescue Committee, Incorporated,1958 |
|
43 |
Israel’s Tenth Anniversary Celebration, 1957 |
|
44 |
Italian – American Marketing Council, 1950–1951; undated |
|
45 |
Jewish War Veterans of the United States, 1946 |
8 |
1 |
Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, 1951–1954; undated |
|
2 |
Lafayette Bicentennial, 1957 |
|
3 |
Lafayette Fellowship Foundation, Inc., National Citizens Committee, 1956 |
|
4 |
Lincoln Center, 1958–1959 |
|
5 |
Memorial Cancer Center (Society of), 1957–1959 |
|
6 |
Menninger Foundation, 1949–1959 |
|
7 |
Merchandise Mart, 1949–1953 |
|
8 |
Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1944–1959; undated |
|
9 |
Metropolitan Museum of Art, Costume Institute, 1944–1955 |
17 |
3 |
Metropolitan Museum of Art, Costume Institute, 1944 |
8 |
10 |
Metropolitan Museum of Art, Costume Institute, 1956–1959; undated |
|
11 |
Museum of Costume Art, undated |
|
|
Museum of Modern Art, 1949–1958 |
|
12 |
Musicians Emergency Fund, Incorporated, Hospitalized Veterans Music Service, 1948 |
13 |
4 |
National Conference of Christians and Jews, 1954 |
8 |
13 |
National Conference of Christians and Jews, 1954–1956 |
|
14 |
National Committee for Mental Hygiene, 1945–1946 |
|
15 |
National Council of Women of the United States, 1957 |
|
16 |
National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, 1951–1957; undated |
|
17 |
National Fund for Medical Education, 1955–1957; undated |
|
18 |
National Jewish Hospital at Denver, 1957–1958 |
|
19 |
National Planning Association, 1954–1959; undated |
|
20 |
New York Board of Trade, 1952; undated |
|
21 |
New York (City of), Citizens Committee to Keep New York Clean, 1955 |
|
22 |
New York (City of ), Committee for the 1956 Olympics, 1955 |
|
23 |
New York (City of), Department of Commerce and Public Events, Consular Corps Hospitality Committee, 1956–1957 |
|
24 |
New York (City of), Mayor’s Advisory Council, Business and Finance Subcommittee, 1954–1959 |
|
25 |
New York (City of), Office of Civil Defense, Advisory Committee of Recruiting and Public Information, 1950–1955 |
|
26 |
New York Public Library, 1950–1957 |
|
27 |
New York State Citizens Committee for the Public Schools, Financial Advisory Committee, 1956 |
|
28 |
New York (State of), Commission on Economic Expansion, 1959 |
|
29 |
New York (State of), Committee on “Employ the Physically Handicapped,” undated |
|
30 |
New York (State of), Department of Commerce, Business Advisory Council, 1958 |
|
31 |
New York State School of Industrial and Labor Relations of Cornell University, 1946 |
|
32 |
New York University, Arts Center Development Committee, 1955–1957 |
|
33 |
New York University–Bellevue Medical Center Completion Program, 1957 |
|
34 |
New York World’s Fair of 1939, Fashion Council, 1937 |
|
35 |
Order of Lafayette, 1958–1959 |
|
36 |
Outdoor Cleanliness Association, 1956 |
|
37 |
Paris Birthday Ball–Gala Dinner, 1951 |
|
38 |
Parsons School of Design, 1958–1959 |
|
39 |
Red Cross Fund Campaign, 1949–1959 |
14 |
16 |
Scrapbook of Professional Activities, 1940-1956; undated |
8 |
40 |
Society of American Fashion Designers, Incorporated,1955 |
|
41 |
Society of Industrial Designers, 1955 |
|
42 |
Society of New York Dress Designers Incorporated,1953; undated |
|
43 |
Spanish–American Board of Trade, Incorporated,1956 |
|
44 |
Sports Illustrated, American Sportswear Design Awards Committee, 1958; undated |
9 |
1 |
Tobe–Coburn School graduation speech, 1941 |
|
2 |
United Jewish Appeal of Greater New York, 1951–1953 |
|
3 |
United Nations Club Committee, 1946 |
|
4 |
United Nations Committee of the City of New York, Hospitality Committee, 1954 |
14 |
17 |
United States Armed Forces Uniform Design, 1942 |
9 |
5 |
United States Treasury Department, United States Savings Bond Division, National Women’s Advisory Committee, 1957 |
|
6 |
United States War Department, Office of the Quartermaster General, 1942–1954 |
17 |
4 |
United States War Department, Office of the Quartermaster General, 1943; undated |
9 |
7 |
United States World Trade Fair; 1957, 1958 |
|
8 |
Waldorf-Astoria’s Silver Anniversary Ball for the Benefit of the United Nations Children’s Fund, 1956 |
|
9 |
West Side Association, 1955 |
|
10 |
Whitney Museum of American Art, 1946 |
|
11 |
World Fashion Center, 1955–1956 |
|
12 |
Young Men’s Board of Trade, “Invest in America Week,” 1956 |
|
13 |
Young Men’s Real Estate Association, 1954 |
|
14 |
Miscellaneous, 1956–1958; undated |
14 |
18 |
Miscellaneous, 1940-1957; undated |
17 |
5 |
Miscellaneous, 1945; undated |
9 |
15 |
Invitations and acceptances, 1946–1959 |
|
16 |
Invitations and regrets, 1946–1954 |
|
17 |
Invitations and regrets, 1955–1959 |
|
|
Series 4, Photographs, circa 1920–1959; undated |
|
|
Subseries 1, Personal, 1950–1959; undated |
10 |
|
Awards and honorary degrees, 1950–1958; undated |
14 |
19 |
Awards and honorary degrees, 1950–1958; undated |
|
|
Shaver portraits; undated |
14 |
20 |
Shaver portraits; undated |
10 |
|
Elsie Shaver exhibition of paintings & sculptures; undated |
|
|
Elsie Shaver paintings; undated |
|
|
Little Shavers; undated |
|
|
Memorial for Shaver, Lord & Taylor, 1959 |
|
|
Subseries 2, Lord & Taylor, circa 1920–1959; undated |
10 |
|
American Design Awards, 1949–1958; undated |
12 |
|
Exhibitions and Events, circa 1920–1958
Antiques Shop, about 1920s
Exposition of Modern French Decorative Art, 1928
Hello Spring, 1956, 1957; undated
British Fortnight, 1958
|
14 |
21 |
British Fortnight, 1958 |
11 |
|
New York University School of Retailing event, undated |
|
|
Office of Dorothy Shaver, undated |
14 |
22 |
Office of Dorothy Shaver, undated |
11 |
|
Song, “There is a store named L & T…” with image of Elsie Shaver, undated |
|
|
Store openings, 1947; undated |
|
|
Window displays, 1942–1959; undated
Window displays, Elsie Shaver’s cotton sculptures, Valentine’s Day, 1942
Window displays, Elsie Shaver’s cotton sculptures, circa June 1942
Window displays, 1954–1959; undated
|
|
|
Subseries 3, Social and Professional Activities, 1942–1957; undated |
12 |
|
Girls Clubs of America, February 1957 |
|
|
Hundred Year Association of New York, Incorporated, November 1952 |
|
|
Lord Mayor of Dublin, undated |
|
|
National Conference of Christians and Jews, 1956 |
|
|
New York (City of), Department of Commerce and Public Events, Consular Corps Hospitality Committee, undated |
|
|
New York University School of Retailing, undated |
|
|
Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, undated |
|
|
United States Armed Forces uniform design, 1942 |
|
|
Unknown events, undated |
|
|
Series 5, Audio Recordings, 1946–1948; 1956, 1973 |
|
|
Subseries 1, Reference Audio Cassette Tapes and CD, 1946-1948; 1956 |
19 |
RTC
631.1
|
Dorothy Shaver Speech , 1946 January 19
Participants: Thomas J. Watson and Dorothy Shaver
Speech by Shaver discussing expansion plans for the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the possibility of establishing a costume institute.
|
|
RTC
631.2-5
|
Lord & Taylor Tenth Annual American Design Awards Luncheon, 1947 April 17
Participants: Dorothy Shaver, Alfred H. Bard, Jr., Frank White (accepting on behalf of Bernard Herman) , Louis D’ Rochma, Agnes de Mille and Ralph A. Beals
Awards luncheon designed to honor and encourage creative expression in America. Awards presented to Alfred H. Bard, Jr., an art professor at Princeton University, Wellesley College, and Bryn Mawr College; Bernard Herrmann, film and radio composer; Louis de Rochemont, producer of documentary films; Agnes de Mille, choreographer; and Ralph A. Beals, director of the New York Public Library.
|
|
RTC
631.6-9
|
Lord & Taylor American Design Awards, 1947 April 23
Participants: Dr. Wilbur Miller, Donald Watt and Dr. Fairfield Osborn
Awards presented to Dr. Wilbur Miller for community action, international relations and atomic energy; Dr. Fairfield Osborn, author of Our Plundered Planet for environmentalism, Experiment in International Living, for an international exchange program; President of the New York Zoological Society; and Nijmegen, Holland and Donald Watt, biochemist from Stanford, Connecticut, for organizing the Standard Forum for World Affairs.
|
|
RTC
631.6-9
|
Lord & Taylor American Design Awards, 1948 April 23
Participants: Dorothy Shaver
Shaver speaks about the wartime experience of residents of Nijmegen, Holland.
|
|
RTC
631.10
|
Lord & Taylor American Design Awards, 1956 May 18
Participants: Dorothy Shaver, John Sherman Cooper, Dr. Ralph Bunch, Roger William, Joseph Welsh, David Sarnoff, John de le Guard, Sir Francis Rundel, and Whitney North Seymour.
Awards luncheon including a discussion of the 19th Lord and Taylor Awards, which acknowledges creative achievements that bring a new dimension to American lives. The specific focus of the 1956 awards was the spiritual heritage of the country. Shaver spoke about freedom and the spirit of liberty. Awards were presented to Margaret Chase Smith, Senator from Maine; John Sherman Cooper, former United States Senator and Ambassador to India; Dr. Ralph Bunch, former Secretary of the United Nations; Roger William, author of Religious Liberty and Democracy; Joseph Welsh, television personality and teacher to 12 million citizens in a class on Governmental Law; David Sarnoff, president of RCA (NBC); John de le Guard; Sir Francis Rundel and Whitney North Seymour.
|
|
RTC
631.11
|
Welsh and Shaver Interview, 18 May 1956
Participants: Dorothy Shaver, John Welsh and David Sarnoff
Shaver speaks with David Sarnoff and Joseph Welsh about the 19th Lord & Taylor American Design Awards given for creative achievements.
|
|
RTC
631.12
|
Lord & Taylor American Design Awards, 1953 May 4
Participants: Dorothy Shaver, Edward R. Murrow, Dr. George S. Stevenson, Professor Theodore Von Caman, Professor Albert Einstein and Professor William Albright
American Design Awards luncheon honoring individuals who think originally and are intellectual adventurers. Awards were presented to William Albright, archeology professor, Johns Hopkins University; Edward R. Murrow, CBS News reporter; Dr. George S. Stevenson, the Medical Director for the National Association for Mental Health; Professor Theodore Von Caman, Chair of Scientific Advisory Board to the Air Force and a similar panel for NATO; and Professor Albert Einstein.
|
|
RTC
631.13
|
Lord & Taylor Interview, 1956 May 21
Participants: Dorothy Shaver, John Welsh and David Sarnoff
Mostly includes a discussion on the areas in which awards are given.
|
|
RTC
631.14
|
Lord & Taylor Interview, 1956 May 21
Participants: Basil Rathbone (narrator) and Alan Sands (producer)
Basil Rathbone recounts Shaver’s life story and her attitude about business.
|
21 |
RCD
631.15
|
Interview, 1973 May 16
Participants: Claudia Kidwell and Elsie Shaver
Claudia Kidwell, costume curator of the National Museum of American History, interview Elsie Shaver.
|
|
|
Subseries 2, Master Audio Tapes, 1946–1948; 1956, 1973 |
20 |
MT7
631.1
|
Dorothy Shaver Speech , 1946 January 19
Participants: Thomas J. Watson and Dorothy Shaver
Speech by Shaver discussing expansion plans for the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the possibility of establishing a costume institute.
|
|
MT7
631.2-5
|
Lord & Taylor Tenth Annual American Design Awards Luncheon, 1947 April 17
Participants: Dorothy Shaver, Alfred H. Bard, Jr., Frank White (accepting on behalf of Bernard Herman) , Louis D’ Rochma, Agnes de Mille and Ralph A. Beals
Awards luncheon designed to honor and encourage creative expression in America. Awards presented to Alfred H. Bard, Jr., an art professor at Princeton University, Wellesley College, and Bryn Mawr College; Bernard Herrmann, film and radio composer; Louis de Rochemont, producer of documentary films; Agnes de Mille, choreographer; and Ralph A. Beals, director of the New York Public Library.
|
|
MT7
631.6-9
|
Lord & Taylor American Design Awards, 1948 April 23
Participants: Dorothy Shaver
Shaver speaks about the wartime experience of residents of Nijmegen, Holland.
|
|
MT7
631.10
|
Lord & Taylor American Design Awards, 1956 May 18
Participants: Dorothy Shaver, John Sherman Cooper, Dr. Ralph Bunch, Roger William, Joseph Welsh, David Sarnoff, John de le Guard, Sir Francis Rundel, and Whitney North Seymour.
Awards luncheon including a discussion of the 19 th Lord and Taylor Awards, which acknowledges creative achievements that bring a new dimension to American lives. The specific focus of the 1956 awards was the spiritual heritage of the country. Shaver spoke about freedom and the spirit of liberty. Awards were presented to Margaret Chase Smith, Senator from Maine; John Sherman Cooper, former United States Senator and Ambassador to India; Dr. Ralph Bunch, former Secretary of the United Nations; Roger William, author of Religious Liberty and Democracy; Joseph Welsh, television personality and teacher to 12 million citizens in a class on Governmental Law; David Sarnoff, president of RCA (NBC); John de le Guard; Sir Francis Rundel and Whitney North Seymour.
|
|
MT7
631.11
|
Welsh and Shaver Interview, 18 May 1956
Participants: Dorothy Shaver, John Welsh and David Sarnoff
Shaver speaks with David Sarnoff and Joseph Welsh about the 19th Lord & Taylor American Design Awards given for creative achievements.
|
21 |
MT7
631.12
|
Lord & Taylor American Design Awards, 1953 May 4
Participants: Dorothy Shaver, Edward R. Murrow, Dr. George S. Stevenson, Professor Theodore Von Caman, Professor Albert Einstein and Professor William Albright
American Design Awards luncheon honoring individuals who think originally and are intellectual adventurers. Awards were presented to William Albright, archeology professor, Johns Hopkins University; Edward R. Murrow, CBS News reporter; Dr. George S. Stevenson, the Medical Director for the National Association for Mental Health; Professor Theodore Von Caman, Chair of Scientific Advisory Board to the Air Force and a similar panel for NATO; and Professor Albert Einstein.
|
|
MT7
631.13
|
Lord & Taylor Interview, 1956 May 21
Participants: Dorothy Shaver, John Welsh and David Sarnoff
Mostly includes a discussion on the areas in which awards are given.
|
|
MT7
631.14
|
Lord & Taylor Interview, 1956 May 21
Participants: Basil Rathbone (narrator) and Alan Sands (producer)
Basil Rathbone recounts Shaver’s life story and her attitude about business.
|
|
|
Subseries 3, Original Audio Cassette Tapes, 1946–1948; 1956
|
22 |
631.1
|
Dorothy Shaver Speech , 1946 January 19
Participants: Thomas J. Watson and Dorothy Shaver
Speech by Shaver discussing expansion plans for the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the possibility of establishing a costume institute.
|
|
631.2-5
|
Lord & Taylor Tenth Annual American Design Awards Luncheon, 1947 April 17
Participants: Dorothy Shaver, Alfred H. Bard, Jr., Frank White (accepting on behalf of Bernard Herman) , Louis D’ Rochma, Agnes de Mille and Ralph A. Beals
Awards luncheon designed to honor and encourage creative expression in America. Awards presented to Alfred H. Bard, Jr., an art professor at Princeton University, Wellesley College, and Bryn Mawr College; Bernard Herrmann, film and radio composer; Louis de Rochemont, producer of documentary films; Agnes de Mille, choreographer; and Ralph A. Beals, director of the New York Public Library.
|
|
631.6-9
|
Lord & Taylor American Design Awards, 1947 April 23
Participants: Dr. Wilbur Miller, Donald Watt and Dr. Fairfield Osborn
Awards presented to Dr. Wilbur Miller for community action, international relations and atomic energy; Dr. Fairfield Osborn, author of Our Plundered Planet for environmentalism, Experiment in International Living, for an international exchange program; President of the New York Zoological Society; and Nijmegen, Holland and Donald Watt, biochemist from Stanford, Connecticut, for organizing the Standard Forum for World Affairs.
|
|
631.6-9 |
Lord & Taylor American Design Awards, 1948 April 23
Participants: Dorothy Shaver
Shaver speaks about the wartime experience of residents of Nijmegen, Holland.
|
|
631.10
|
Lord & Taylor American Design Awards, 1956 May 18
Participants: Dorothy Shaver, John Sherman Cooper, Dr. Ralph Bunch, Roger William, Joseph Welsh, David Sarnoff, John de le Guard, Sir Francis Rundel, and Whitney North Seymour
Awards luncheon including a discussion of the 19th Lord and Taylor Awards, which acknowledges creative achievements that bring a new dimension to American lives. The specific focus of the 1956 awards was the spiritual heritage of the country. Shaver spoke about freedom and the spirit of liberty. Awards were presented to Margaret Chase Smith, Senator from Maine; John Sherman Cooper, former United States Senator and Ambassador to India; Dr. Ralph Bunch, former Secretary of the United Nations; Roger William, author of Religious Liberty and Democracy; Joseph Welsh, television personality and teacher to 12 million citizens in a class on Governmental Law; David Sarnoff, president of RCA (NBC); John de le Guard; Sir Francis Rundel and Whitney North Seymour.
|
|
631.11
|
Welsh and Shaver Interview, 18 May 1956
Participants: Dorothy Shaver, Joseph Welsh and David Sarnoff
Shaver speaks with David Sarnoff and John Welsh about the 19th Lord & Taylor American Design Awards given for creative achievements.
|
|
631.12
|
Lord & Taylor American Design Awards, 1953 May 4
Participants: Dorothy Shaver, Edward R. Murrow, Dr. George S. Stevenson, Professor Theodore Von Caman, Professor Albert Einstein and Professor William Albright
American Design Awards luncheon honoring individuals who think originally and are intellectual adventurers. Awards were presented to William Albright, archeology professor, Johns Hopkins University; Edward R. Murrow, CBS News reporter; Dr. George S. Stevenson, the Medical Director for the National Association for Mental Health; Professor Theodore Von Caman, Chair of Scientific Advisory Board to the Air Force and a similar panel for NATO; and Professor Albert Einstein.
|
|
631.13
|
Lord & Taylor Interview, 1956 May 21
Participants: Dorothy Shaver, John Welsh and David Sarnoff
Mostly includes a discussion on the areas in which awards are given.
|
|
631.14
|
Lord & Taylor Interview, 1956 May 21
Participants: Basil Rathbone (narrator) and Alan Sands (producer)
Basil Rathbone recounts Shaver’s life story and her attitude about business.
|
21 |
631.15
|
Interview, 1973 May 16
Participants: Claudia Kidwell and Elsie Shaver
Claudia Kidwell, costume curator of the National Museum of American History, interview with Elsie Shaver.
|
| TOP |
|
|
|
