These cycling shoes were used by American track cycling World Champion Sarah Hammer (b. 1983) and were worn between 2010 and 2011. Manufactured by Specialized Bicycle Components, the shoes were first released in the winter of 2009 as a part of their top tier S-Works line of bicycles and equipment.
Hammer’s S-Works shoes incorporate several features that are specific to cycling footwear. The soles are made using carbon fiber, which is an extremely light but rigid material. A rigid material is preferred, since flexing under load reduces the rider’s power output as they perform their circular pedaling motion originating at the leg, through the shoe, pedal, and crankarm. A Shimano brand cycling cleat bolted to the sole of the shoe locks into a road cycling pedal, which allows the rider apply more power throughout the pedal stroke. The shoe’s uppers are constructed of synthetic leather, which is more resistant to stretching than real leather. The two dials on the uppers of the shoes are a proprietary system made by Boa Technology that independently tightens and loosens a steel lace and are easier for the wearer to adjust the fit of the shoe while riding than Velcro or laces.
Hand-sewn by the wearer for her senior prom in South Texas, this dress reflects middle-class attempts to imitate the grandeur of debutante balls. Starting out as college rituals at the turn of the 20th century, proms worked their way down to high schools and became more expensive during the prosperous 1950s. This dress was made in 1965, despite the counterculture of the 1960s showing a slight decline in the prom's popularity.
This dress is full-length and made of rose-colored, satin-like fabric. A darker pink machine-made lace with a floral patter covers the front and back of the bodice. The front of the lace is decorated with scattered three- point stars made of sewn-on oblong pearls with a smaller, round pearl in the center. These smaller pearls are also randomly applied throughout the bodice, though many are now missing. The bodice has two darts in the back and four in the front, with two coming up from the waist; the others form under the arms toward the breast area. An undecorated skirt is attached, flared, and gathered at the waist. It is made of two large panels seamed on the sides. The entire dress is lined in pale pink synthetic fabric. A metal zipper on the center back fastens the dress, and a hook-and-eye closure is at the top neckline.
These swimming goggles were worn by American Gertrude Ederle (1905-2003) while making her historic swim across the English Channel in August of 1926. Not only was Ederle the first woman to ever complete the feat, only five men had ever accomplished the swim, and she bested their times by almost two hours.
Called America's Best Girl by President Calvin Coolidge, Ederle returned to fame and a ticker-tape parade in New York City. The former Olympican furthered the acceptance of female athletics, helping make the 1920s America's Golden Age of Sport.
