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.
You gentlemen are erring on the high side.
How about 15 cents?
Best
Rob
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
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