Minnie Whalen’s Suit Ensemble 1910

Posted in 1 by Denise on January 7, 2010

My dear Reader,

Today, I am sharing with you the outfit Minnie Whalen wore on the train to Las Vegas, New Mexico in April 1910. The jacket is a beautiful example of how well made it is by her. The back is my favorite. The pleats are well proportioned and stitched evenly. Without padding being in style in 1910, the sleeves are gathered just enough to give an air of faminity. The lining appears to be extra fabric left over after making a man’s shirt. Note how the waist is brought in to accent the figure. The buttons were purchased and are of leather. The waist (blouse) is store bought. My daughter wore this jacket in her early 20′s and it was wonderful to see it being worn nearly 60 years later. Minnie was frugal, and the black skirt is patched in one area in the front. Since dry cleaners never existed in 1910, I like to think the dust of Charleston and Las Vegas has settled in the inside of the hem.

Granddaughter Denise Conaghan Snakard / Winnetka, Illinois