Lincoln Discussion Symposium

On January 12, 1855, Mary Lincoln strolled into a Springfield dry goods store named John Williams & Company. She purchased a pair of gloves. How much did she pay for the gloves?

Let's try Victorian clothing for $1.75, Roger.

I don't know how much she paid, but I'll guess.
What article of clothing would $1.75 buy for Mary Lincoln (without sales tax) at John Williams & Company back in 1855?

She had a thing for gloves didn't she?

She sure did, Gene, but unfortunately the answer is not correct. I do not know how accurate this is, but I once read she purchased 84 pairs of gloves during her first year living in the White House.

I'll say $3.50.

You gentlemen are erring on the high side.

How about 15 cents?

Best
Rob

Somewhat too low, Rob.

I'll try a $1.50

Well, according to Harry E. Pratt, in 1859, she spent $1.25 on a "tidie" at Williams which I cannot find a definition for, so I'm going to go with $1.25.

Best
Rob

Rob, I am now assuming you have Pratt's book. Go to p. 147, find the date in my question, and you should get the correct answer.

I did find it. I'll hold off on giving the correct answer if others want to continue to guess.

Best
Rob

Tidie....the closest thing I could find was the "Ronco Tidie Dryer", for $134.44, used. I don't think Mr. Lincoln would go for that.

http://www.amazon.com/Ronco-teleproducts...B007C8MHWW

(07-13-2012 05:56 PM)Gene C Wrote: [ -> ]Tidie....the closest thing I could find was the "Ronco Tidie Dryer", for $134.44, used. I don't think Mr. Lincoln would go for that.

http://www.amazon.com/Ronco-teleproducts...B007C8MHWW

Best
Rob

Computer is going off for the day as my evenings are spent with my wife; assuming the correct answer is in tomorrow, the winner's prize will be awarded at that time. It's a unique prize - one you will never forget!

OK Roger, no one else came in, so I'll say 25 cents.

Best
Rob