Mary Todd Lincoln's Dress
1. Gown made by Elizabeth Keckley for Mary Todd Lincoln, about 1864.
2. Smithsonian Institute Press, "Legacies." Accessed October 15, 2013. http://smithsonianlegacies.si.edu/objectdescription.cfm?ID=258. 3. Mrs. Keckley, her dressmaker and confidante, made this purple velvet dress for Mrs. Lincoln. During the spring of her husband's first term in office, Mrs. Keckley made Mrs. Lincoln 15-16 dresses. Their business and personal relationship continued until 1868 when Mrs. Keckley's memoirs - including information regarding her interactions with the Lincoln family - were published. Mrs. Lincoln was greatly distressed about the intimate disclosures regarding her life, as well as having her personal letters written to Mrs. Keckley printed in the book. Mary Todd Lincoln was often criticized about her excessive spending. During her first year as first lady she purchased over 84 pairs of gloves, a $3,000 shawl and a $4,000 pair of earrings. |