History & Notes: This cape 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 gown and many other pieces to the Idaho State Historical Society.
Description: Gray wool lined with floral printed gray silk; front and bottom has scalloped stitching and white cord; black velvet collar.
Object Number: 1973.224.0178
Object: cape
Category: Personal Gear
Circa: 1900
Materials: wool, celluloid, metal, silk
Donor: Jane Gorrissen