History & Notes: This belonged to Lula Brown McDonald who was born about 1896 in Chattanooga, Tennessee to a prominent southern family. Lula was a very independent woman and moved to Washington D.C. during the first World War with her young daughter Jane. Here she procured a government job and met James McDonald II of Hailey, Idaho. James was the son of the Standard Oil Company's European representative, James McDonald Sr. After marrying James Jr. in 1927, Lula and Jane moved to Idaho where the family split their time between Hailey and Boise, often making the newspapers for their soirees and development ventures. Lula was an active member of the Hailey and Boise social circles and contributed to artistic and charitable ventures throughout the state. Never one to settle down for too long, Lula traveled extensively throughout her life and amassed an impressive collection of clothing and curios from designers and craftspeople the world over. After Lula's death in 1973, her daughter Jane Gorrissen donated this coat and many other pieces to the Idaho State Historical Society.
Description: Evening coat. Full length burgundy velvet interlined with buckram. Satin lining. Double breasted. Double kick pleat in back. Plastic buttons.
Object Number: 1973.224.0111
Object: coat
Category: Women's Garments
Circa: 1970
Materials: plastic, satin, velvet
Donor: Mrs. Jane Gorrissen