History & Notes: This gown 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 and many other pieces to the Idaho State Historical Society.
Description: Full length evening dress; pink crepe printed in turquoise and black; bodice gathered to "V" neckline; set-in sleeves with shoulder pads; soft gathers from waist to hips in front; split skirt; side placket with 10 " metal zipper; beadwork on pattern to knee; beads are small clear glass. Self fabric belt.
Object Number: 1973.224.0039
Object: dress
Category: Women's Garments
Circa: 1940
Materials: textile, beads, metal
Donor: Jane Gorrissen