Caroline Harrison's 1889 Inaugural Gown
Caroline Harrison's 1889 Inaugural Gown
Usage conditions apply
- 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
- Object Name
- dress
- Dress
- Associated Date
- 1889
- wearer
- Harrison, Caroline Lavinia Scott
- associated institution
- Logan Silk Company
- manufacturer
- Logan Silk Company
- maker
- Ghormley, Robes et Manteaux
- textile designer
- Williamson, Mary
- Place Made
- United States: New York, New York City
- Physical Description
- silk (overall material)
- ID Number
- PL.044328
- catalog number
- 44328
- accession number
- 170780
- Credit Line
- Gift of Benjamin Harrison McKee and Mrs. Mary McKee Reisinger
- subject
- Costume
- First Ladies
- Inauguration
- Presidential Inauguration of 1897
- See more items in
- Political and Military History: Political History, General History Collection
- Government, Politics, and Reform
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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