Drawn Bonnet, 1840-1849

This is an excellent example of an 1840's drawn bonnet, which was likely worn for formal afternoon events.

Women's Shoes, 1820-1850

Delicate slippers such as these were used by ladies in the early Victorian period with fashionable dress. These tied on to the ankle, much as some ballet shoes do today. These types of shoes were notoriously unhealthy-- they quickly became damp and soiled, provided no foot support, and were occasionally purchased a size or two too small so that thewearer's foot appeared dainty. It was all about looking great; women were not expected to be comfortable or accommodated by their dress. The square to…

Women's Slippers, about 1840

These shoes, sometimes called slippers, were used in the Victorian period for wear with a matching dress. Shoes like these were often laced on to the lower leg, sometimes elastic held them on. They wore poorly and quickly became damp and soiled.

Hat, about 1915

This light weight hat was likely worn seasonally in the spring and summer. It has two labels, one sewn over the other. They likely represent the manufacturer or designer and retailer of the hat, but it is unclear which is which.

Cloche, 1923-1927

Shoes, 1955-1965

This style was Mrs. Firestone's favorite for nearly 15 years. She had many pairs made in this style to match specific couture gowns. Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1897 Elizabeth Parke married Harvey S. Firestone Jr., son of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, in 1921.Once described by a friend as, "the most luxurious woman in the history of luxury," Elizabeth Parke Firestone's clothing collection illustrates her impeccable taste in fashion.

Dress, 1820-1825

This dress descended down through the family of Louise Ogle Scull (1828-1906?), grandmother of the donor. Scull lived in Somerset, Pennsylvania, seat of Somerset County. She is said to have married Edward Scull in 1848. The mancheron of the sleeves is reminiscent of the 1810s, but the waist is lower indicating the 1820-23 period. The Van Dyked trim, collar, puffed oversleeve, and skirt treatment are typical of the early 1820's.

Shoes, about 1960

Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1897 Elizabeth Parke married Harvey S. Firestone Jr., son of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, in 1921.Once described by a friend as, "the most luxurious woman in the history of luxury," Elizabeth Parke Firestone's clothing collection illustrates her impeccable taste in fashion.

Shoes, 1925-1930

Edward Cohen was Mrs. Firestone's shoemaker in the 1920s. As with most of her shoes, these were likely made to match a specific outfit. Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1897 Elizabeth Parke married Harvey S. Firestone Jr., son of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, in 1921.Once described by a friend as, "the most luxurious woman in the history of luxury," Elizabeth Parke Firestone's clothing collection illustrates her impeccable taste in fashion.

Shoes, about 1930

Mrs. Firestone likely had these custom made to match a specific outfit, now gone. Edward Cohen was her preferred shoemaker in the 1920s and early 1930s.Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1897 Elizabeth Parke married Harvey S. Firestone Jr., son of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, in 1921.Once described by a friend as, "the most luxurious woman in the history of luxury," Elizabeth Parke Firestone's clothing collection illustrates her impeccable taste in fashion.

Shoes, 1923-1927

Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1897 Elizabeth Parke married Harvey S. Firestone Jr., son of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, in 1921.Once described by a friend as, "the most luxurious woman in the history of luxury," Elizabeth Parke Firestone's clothing collection illustrates her impeccable taste in fashion.

Shoes, about 1930

These shoes have no marking or indication of maker. However, we have an identical pair in the collection that also belonged to Mrs. Firestone made by George Pigeon of Brooklyn. Likely these are from the same maker. Mrs. Firestone surely had these custom made to match a specific outfit, now gone. Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1897 Elizabeth Parke married Harvey S. Firestone Jr., son of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, in 1921.Once described by a friend as, "the most l…