Signers of petition: Meixell, Andrew B.; Welchans, Joseph; Gompf, E.; McCulley, Robert C.; Vandersaal, Samuel; Bauman, Joseph K.; Sener, H. M.; Voigt, Charles F.; Hartman, Edward J.; Wiley, Edward; Sprecher, D. G.; Shultz, John A.; Wiley, Alexander.
April term.
1 item, 1 piece
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at Reference Desk; photocopy made by staff member.
Bathrobe/Dressing Gown Belonging to James Buchanan
Description
Silk dressing gown/bathrobe that belonged to James Buchanan. The garment is constructed of fabric with designs of brown, tan and orange on a blue background on the long sleeves, collar and front opening.
Cording trim edges the collar, front opening and hems as well as edges of front slash pockets and sleeves.Three pairs of decorative 'frogs' of cording with ties on front are used for closure. There is a separate thick tie belt of woven cording with tassel ends. Links of cording attached to two covered buttons on both sides are belt loops.
The navy blue silk that lines the garment is machine-stitched to the soft fleece lining.
Provenance
Miss Elizabeth M. Hause of West Chester, PA, daughter of the late Judge J. Frank E. Hause, gave the dressing gown to the Society in Oct. 1940. She included a note penned on Dec. 21, 1920 by Dr. L.T. Bremerman of Downingtown, PA.
"My Dear Judge Hause:
The history of the 'dressing gown' as near as I can glaen, is that it was presented to James Buchanan when he was Minister at the Courth of Saint James, by eith the Chinese of Japanese* Minister.
Prior to his death President Buchanan gave it to Col. J.B.Baker who was related to him. Col. Baker's son J.B. Baker, Jr. gave it to me, and it has always been greatly prized by me. In presenting it to you, on account of its historic relation, to say nothing of the esteem in which I hold your Honor, if you have as much pleasure in its possession as I have in presenting it to you, we are mutually happy. With best wishes and the Compliments of the season, I am,
Sincerely Yours,
L. T. Bremerman"
*Japanese is incorrect.
In pencil, Eliz. Hause wrote: "Dr. Bremerman has been deceased for a number of years."
Lower edge at bottom of right hand sleeve is frayed and torn. (He must have been right-handed since the left lower sleeve shows little damage/wear.) Heavy fraying and wear on the neck edge. Collar is detached from neck edge in back and 10 inches of back center seam is apart, revealing soft fleece lining between outer fabric and navy blue inner lining. Silk separating on lower back lining.
Large dark stain on the center back lining 18 inches above the hem.
