Mary Lincoln's Fashions

[Eva Elisabeth]

Great photo, Gene!

As for Mary's floral hair-dresses, this puts me on the fence, too.

Thanks Gene and Roger for the quote! Quite a statement! I was, too, trying to recall what Abraham Lincoln said about Mary's appearance and style. I'm so sure he made at least one very positive comment at one occasion (might be illusion though). The only I could find right now is this one by Emilie T. Helm who recalled that Elizabeth T. Edwards "had invited all of us to a supper party. Sister Mary had just finished a new dress, it was a white silk with blue brocaded flowers scattered over it in bunches and little garlands. When Mr. Lincoln came from his office Mary reminded him it was time to change for the party. He looked at her with a smile. 'Fine feathers enough on you to make fine birds of both of us.' Noticing her dress still further, he said, 'Those posies on your dress are the color of your eyes.' Mary dimpled with pleasure: 'You see, Emilie, I am training my husband to see color. I do not think he knew pink from blue when I married him.'" (Henry Villard: "Memoirs", Volume I, p. 156-157.)

If anyone knows any further comment(s) he made on this topic (positive or not), please post!