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  • Dress, 1925-1935

    This dress was owned by Virginia Palmer Bradfield Ward. A dramatic and slinky bias cut evening dress, both the styling and the coral color are typical of the mid 1930s. The interesting seaming and panel insets give much visual interest to what might seemingly be a plain dress.Virginia Palmer Bradfield was born 1897 in Grand Rapids, MI. She was born in to one of Michigan's oldest mining families.Her great grandfather, Charles Henry Palmer, was a pioneer investor and developer of mines and railroa…

  • Rosewood Pin, about 1940

    An inexpensive piece of jewelry perhaps worn by a young girl or young lady.Scotty dogs became popular whenFranklin Delano Roosevelt was in the White House as his Scotty, Fala, became a great favorite.Likely worn by the donor's daughter, who would have been in her teens in the 1940s.

  • Hat, 1925-1935

    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, 1935-1940

    This is one of the few pairs of high heeled shoes in our collection that date from the later 1930s. Mrs. Firestone likely had them 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 luxurious woman in the history of luxury," Elizabeth Parke Firestone's clothing collection illustrates her impeccable…

  • Shoes, 1925-1935

    Mrs. Firestone likely had these custom made to match a specific outfit, now gone. These likely date to the 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.

  • Three Quarter Length Silk Jacquard Evening Jacket, 1935-1939

    Two-button, 3/4-length silk jacquard jacket with pattern depicting nightclub scene with women in red, blue, and green evening wear; men in black. Weave incorporates metallic threads of gold and silver. Clothing label: BERGDORF-GOODMAN/5TH AVENUE. This is an iconic piece in which the fabric is woven into a pattern that upon close examination reveals fashionable socialites at a cocktail party. It is a most unusual fabric design.

  • Platform Sandals, about 1935-1950

    These shoes, used in the summer in the late 1930's and 1940's, are one of the rare pair of casual shoes in our collection of Mrs. Firestone's clothing and accessories. She usually favored European designer; the American label may indicate that these were used during the war when many European couture houses were closed.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 …

  • Navy Blue Print Crepe Evening Dress, 1933-1935

    Sheer navy blue print crepe dress with white stylized flowers in an all-over pattern. Square neckline with 2.5 inch wide shoulder straps.Self-fabric bows at left neckline and left hip. Deep V-neck in back. Attached white silk slip. Clothing label: MAINBOCHER INC. This garment was owned by Elizabeth Parke Firestone, daughter of Mr. Harvey Firestone of Detroit, Michigan.Mainbocher was one of Mrs. Firestone's favorite designers, according to her daughter, Mrs. William C. Ford. This is one of only t…

  • Sleeveless Scoop Neck Chiffon Chemise Dress, about 1930

    Sleeveless orange silk chiffon chemise dress. Scooped neckline in front, with deeper V in back. Bodice front has five narrow flounces from neckline to below bust; back of bodice and midriff are plain. Eight flounces from waistline to hem that curve up side and back of dress to end in point at waist with two self-fabric flowers. Two panels hang from waistline to below hemline in back. Flounces and panels are bias-cut. Waist just below natural waistline. Self-fabric belt closes with hook and eye s…

  • Shoes, 1935-1955

    These low heeled, sturdy pumps were used during the summer for more casual day wear and travel. The style indicates that Mrs. Firestone could have used them for nearly two decades. 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…

  • Shoes, 1925-1935

    This style was favored by Mrs. Firestone in the late 1920s and in to the 1930s. Edward Cohen was her preferredshoemaker during this time.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.

  • Shoe, about 1930

    This style of shoe was worn by Mrs. Firestone circa 1930. She is pictured wearing this style of shoe with her 10th wedding anniversary outfit in 1931. This pair was surely custom made to match a specific dress or outfit.She had this same style made in many different colors. 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 …

  • Shoes, 1935-1950

    Mrs. Firestone likely used these comfortable shoes for casual wear or travel. 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.