Assassination Trivia

[ReignetteC]

(02-03-2015 02:51 PM)Thomas Kearney Wrote:  Which clothing company made the suit and great coat Lincoln wore to Ford's Theater? Bonus for anyone who can name what is on the emblem inside the great coat.

Hi, Thomas,

Brooks Brothers made Lincoln's overcoat (greatcoat) and its silk-lining is
adorned with the embroidered declaration, “One Country, One Destiny."

Contrary to popular belief, there is no provenance that Brooks Brothers made a suit for President Lincoln. That "myth" began in 1918 when Brooks Brothers, on the occasion of its centenary, sent the local press (NYC) a release about its history, which included its crafting of Lincoln's overcoat. One paper inadvertently noted "suit" instead of "overcoat." And the rest is history.

Interestingly, some respected historians refer to Lincoln being buried in a Brooks Brothers' suit. Two newspapers, The New York Times and The New York World, in 1865, noted that Lincoln was buried in the suit he wore to his inauguration. Yet there is no mention in the articles of Brooks Brothers crafting the suit. And no provenance has surfaced.

Brooks Brothers crafted a greatcoat for Lincoln's inauguration. That's all we know for sure.

Many merchants supplied Lincoln with clothing and I'd be happy to provide you with the details.

RC