Playsuit, 1940-1945

Metallic Beaded Evening Bag, 1940

Metallic beaded evening bag, which was owned by Matilda Dodge Wilson (October 19, 1883 – September 19, 1967),who was the wife of John Francis Dodge (October 25, 1864 – January 14, 1920), co-founder of the Dodge Motor Car Company in Detroit, Michigan.

Pleated Velvet Turban, 1940

Blue/Gray velvet turban with elaborate pleating and a very complicated wired knot on top of crown, which was owned by Matilda Dodge Wilson (October 19, 1883 – September 19, 1967),who was the wife of John Francis Dodge (October 25, 1864 – January 14, 1920), co-founder of the Dodge Motor Car Company in Detroit, Michigan.

Velvet Bow Accented with Ostrich Plumes, 1940

Black velvet bow accented on the left with black ostrich plumes, which was owned by Matilda Dodge Wilson (October 19, 1883 – September 19, 1967),who was the wife of John Francis Dodge (October 25, 1864 – January 14, 1920), co-founder of the Dodge Motor Car Company in Detroit, Michigan.

Felt Hat with Cut Felt Accents, 1940

Purple felt hat with felt accents cut to resemble feathers and pink rosette at crown. This hat was owned by Matilda Dodge Wilson (October 19, 1883 – September 19, 1967),who was the wife of John Francis Dodge (October 25, 1864 – January 14, 1920), co-founder of the Dodge Motor Car Company in Detroit, Michigan.

Veil with Chiffon Flowers and Veil, 1940

Cream colored veil with chiffon flowers, which was owned by Matilda Dodge Wilson (October 19, 1883 – September 19, 1967),who was the wife of John Francis Dodge (October 25, 1864 – January 14, 1920), co-founder of the Dodge Motor Car Company in Detroit, Michigan.

Long Nurses Uniform

Long nurses uniform, woven grey cotton, long gathered sleeves, front bodice panel, and pleated skirt. White trim on collar, cuffs, and apron. Button closure on apron and large pockets. Tag on garment reads ‘Ruth Elenor Heidtman’. Mainbocher brand, circa 1940-1949.

Evening Coat with Pastel Print

Evening tent style coat, woven fabric, ecru background with large pastel floral (?) print. Split side hem, long sleeves, collarless, no front closure, gusseted underarms. Circa 1940-1959.

Princess Style Coat

Women’s lined princess style overcoat with white and sepia brown hounds tooth pattern. Wide collar, marble buttons on front, pockets, and sleeve cuffs. Circa 1940-1969.

Silk Taffeta Dress with Jacket

Blue silk taffeta dress and matching jacket. Dress has spaghetti straps, gathered waist, and ruffled hem. Jacket has heavy ruffles around cuffs, as well as around neckline, front of jacket and hem. Bill Blass, circa 1940-1959.

Pink Brocade Corset

Pink cotton and rayon brocade corset with boning, hooks, and fasteners. High waist with back lacing closure. Circa 1940-1949.

Knee Length Lace and Chiffon Dress

Knee length dress with cap sleeves, in black, with white lace inset panel in front and large white lace collar. Circa 1940-1949.

Hat, 1940-1944

This hat belonged to Elizabeth Parke Firestone. 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.

Hat, 1940-1948

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, 1940-1950

Mrs. Firestone surely had these made to match a specific outfit. They may have been used for social occasions at home.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, 1930-1940

Mrs. Firestone likely wore these low-heeled shoes for more casual day wear or travel. The styling appears to be from the 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, 1925-1940

Mrs. Firestone likely used these sturdy, comfortable shoes for casual day wear-- particularly for travel in the late 1920s and 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, 1925-1940

Mrs. Firestone likely wore these sturdy, low-heeled shoes for travel and every day casual wear. These could have been used from the later 1920s throughout the 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 fashi…

Platform Sandals, 1940-1950

Mrs. Firestone liked pinks of all kinds. She purchased many shoes and clothes in pink and fuschia- such as these shoes- mainly in the 1940s and 1950s. 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.

Boy's Suit, 1940

According to the donor, this suit was worn by Richard Royhans Johnson for his first communion, most likely at Visitation Church in Highland Park, Michigan (Johnson was born in Marion, Indiana in the spring of 1941 or 1942). It is a nice example of a shorts suit for a boy moving up from a knicker suit.