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Letter from Florence Nightingale to Christopher Lordan, Esquire, asking for revision of a private letter made public

This letter, written to Christopher L. Lordan, Esquire, was asking for a revision of a private letter which was distributed. The revision speaks highly of volunteers and how kind words from those in charge can increase the moral and work ethic of volunteers. It also states that leading by example is the best way to encourage volunteers and soldiers to work hard and do their best. Nightingale apologized for any inconvenience in editing the private letter and thanks the recipient for their atte…
Parks. Waterworks. History. 2 copy negs (1880 & 1870)

Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University
Old Detroit; German Veteran Musicians of Detroit, 1870.

Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University
Fire Dept. ; Buildings; Old. At Bates & Woodward

Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University
Fire Dept. ; Buildings; Old. At Bates & Woodward

Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University
Old Detroit; Misc. 1st Presbyterian church. (copy). - Site of J. L. Hudson Store.

Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University
Fire Dept. ; Buildings; Old. At Bates & Woodward

Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University
Wayne State University; Buildings; College of Education, Historical

Circa 1870s. Washington School, Beaubien at Harriett (now Madison), home of Normal School from 1895 to 1914. Normal School called Washington Normal. This school was used by College of Education in early years.
Wayne State University; Buildings; College of Education, Historical

Circa 1870s. Washington School, Beaubien at Harriett (now Madison), home of Normal School from 1895 to 1914. Normal School called Washington Normal.This school was used by College of Education in early years. Drawing
Crocheted Lace Change Purse

Ivory lace crocheted change purse with two ribbon drawstrings. Circa 1870-1899.
Black Leather Baby Shoe

High-top leather baby shoes, black in color, with leather soles and velvet laces. Circa 1870-1979.
Long Olive Green Wool Skirt

Long olive green skirt, wool garbardine, trimmed with braid on side of skirt. Fitted waist with multiple stitching, large decorative buttons on front, small patch pockets, pieced in back with large pleats, and tucks just below hip level. Circa 1870-1899.
Two Piece Embroidered Dress

Two piece dress consisting of long skirt and long sleeve top, navy blue in color. Skirt has sets of pleats, three each, around skirt, which are open on the bottom third with embroidered flower where loose pleats begin, hook and eye closure in back. Top is lined and features boning, also has floral embroidery around neckline and on shoulders, at cuffs, and creates a V-neck look on back. Embroidered dicky style insert with high neck, and hook and eye closure at back of neck. Top also features …
Bracelets, about 1850

Woven hair jewelry was made as sentimental jewelry from at least the 1830s until late in the century but is most popular from 1845-1860.These bracelets could easily date anywhere in that era.The hair used in the creation of these bracelets is very coarse and is likely animal hair.It is possible that these were made for use in mourning.The hair is woven in bow know fashion, suggesting interwined lives and love.The jet bead in the center of the medallion could well indicate mourning or half mourni…
Girl's Dress and Jacket, about 1870

A nice special occasion dress, worn with a blousewaist. The use of magenta and black together suggests a circa 1870 fabric - a popular aniline dye combination at the time. Also, the zouave-style jacket was popular in 1860s. The red and black silk "shag" trim on the jacket is interesting but is not a great match for rest of the piece. Overall, this girl's outfit has the feel of the bustle and puff style popular in women's dresses of the 1870s.
Women's Shoes, about 1860

These shoes, commonly called slippers in this period, were likely made to match a specific outfit. They may have been made to match a wedding gown. Flimsy fabric shoes such as this were very popular, but provided no support and quickly were soiled and damaged. They were purely decorative and worn by women who were expected to stay primarily indoors and not required to do any work.
Cameo Bracelet, about 1860

Cameos were traditionally carved from stone as carvers carefully worked in layers of agate, cutting away lower layers of color and leaving, in relief, layers of white or ivory colored strata.It is difficult and expensive work.In the early nineteenth century Italian carvers began carving cameos from shell, working the strata to leave white layers in relief on the cameo.This shell cameo carving reduced the price of cameos somewhat. The fineness of some of the best shell cameo cutters rivals those …
Women's Shoes, about 1875

These are interesting shoes; likely a transitional shoes style popular just after the Civil War. They are machine sewn, but retain the straight soles that fall from favor shortly after the war. These are inexpensive, sturdy women's shoes worn by the ordinary housekeeper.
Satin Boots, about 1865

Congress gaiters is a term for boots with elastic at the ankles. This style of boots is comfortable and easy to pull on and off. They were a very popular style in the mid 19th century for both men and women. At the time these were made, elastic thread was only available in black. This is why you see the black speckling in the white fabric of the gores of these boots.
Child's Smock, 1870-1890

According to the source of purchase, this simple but stylish young girl's dress belonged to a family in Yonkers, New York. It is c. 1880, but entirely handsewn. In particular, the ruffles at the neck are beautifully done.