History & Notes: This exquisite beaded dress was worn by Madelon Laeta Lyman. Born in Iowa in about 1885, Laeta was the daughter of a French father and French-Canadian mother. After her marriage to her first husband in 1901, Laeta moved to Idaho. Following her divorce, she left the state but returned to Boise where she met and married optometrist Dr. Irvine Rhinehart Lyman in 1928. The two operated his optometry offices in Boise and in Los Angeles, California, with Laeta often serving as his receptionist. Laeta was a member of the Columbian Club and traveled extensively. Irvine died in 1946 and Laeta continued to reside in Boise until her death in 1975. In 1965, Laeta's guardian facilitated the donation of many of the Lyman's belongings to the Idaho State Historical Society, including this classic flapper dress.
Description: Short off-white silk chemise evening dress; sleeveless; chemise slip of same fabric attached to dress; heavily trimmed with brilliants and both white and crystal beads; strands of beads from about the knee down create a beaded fringe with strands 10 " long and 15' long.
Object Number: 1965.112.0012
Object: dress
Category: Women's Garments
Circa: 1920
Materials: silk, fabric, rhinestone, beads
Donor: Laeta Lyman