Gown, Ina McKenzie Davis - Inaugural

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Gown, Ina McKenzie Davis - Inaugural

Object number1955.004.01.a-b

DateJanuary 18, 1901

OriginLouisville, Kentucky

Associated LocationLittle Rock, Arkansas

MediumWool, Velvet, Lace

DimensionsBodice: 21 in. (53.3 cm) Skirt: 43 1/2 in. (110.5 cm)

Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection

Terms

DescriptionThe gown Ina Davis wore during the January 18, 1901 Inauguration of her husband, Jeff Davis, as the twentieth Governor of Arkansas. The dress is made of wine red wool and velvet with a semi-fitted bodice and tubular skirt. The mock turtleneck collar and upper bodice are made of cream-colored lace. The front and back bodice resembles a vest and makes a rounded V-opening to show a softly shirred panel of red wool. The bodice is eased onto a belt made of red velvet which is shirred at center front and center back and is smocked vertically at the sides. Red velvet trims the "vest" and lower sleeves which are puffed at the top. The dart tucks narrow the sleeves at the elbow. Red lace ruffles trim the hem of the sleeves. The floor length skirt falls straight and has simulated box pleats. Small curved yokes with several tiny dark tucks accent the four panels of the skirts, two in the front and two in the back. Ina Davis' Inaugural dress was constructed in Louisville, Kentucky.

Ina McKenzie Davis served as the twentieth First Lady of Arkansas from 1901 to 1907. She was born on October 6, 1862 and died on April 10, 1909.

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