Clara Harris's Bloody Dress

[L Verge]

James Swanson told me several years ago that one of the things he hoped to find as he researched his upcoming book on the Kennedy assassination was the whereabouts of the pillbox hat. I believe he said there were reports of it being seen on a hospital gurney and others that said it was given to JFK's secretary, Evelyn Lincoln. Hopefully, we'll receive James's book this week and find out if he ever found the hat.

[Hess1865]

I read somewhere that some former Kennedy Family maid who's now 93 has Jackies pink hat, but she's kept her mouth shut about it for years

[HerbS]

The next ultimate question is,Who's blood is on the Pike County Flagg?Was there a Flagg placed under lincoln's head to comfort him?

[RJNorton]

Excellent question, Herb. I still do not know where I stand on Laura Keene's whereabouts as I cannot figure out why Clara Harris was so adamant Keene never entered the State Box at all. We have people who said Keene was in the box, and we have Clara Harris who denies it. Maybe someone can refresh my memory, but right now I am blank on whether or not Keene herself ever went on record and made a specific statement on this matter.

[JB Banning]

Roger,
On page 123 of A. Lincoln, His Last 24 Hours, Reck says no, stating "No statement from Miss Keene about the alleged occurrence has been seen".

[Gene C]

Did Laura Keene ever testify at the trial and, did we ever establish if before they rebuilt Ford's Theater, was there a back stairway or another way to approach the box seats

[L Verge]

Tom Bogar is needed here, but I believe I'm correct that Laura Keene did not testify at the Conspiracy Trial. I believe that there was a back stairway that may have come up into what was a men's lounge on the dress circle. My brain is not good on remembering floor plans, however. Joe, do you have the restoration book? It is much too wet and yucky for me to run to the Hall Center to check our copy - I'll melt en route...

[Gene C]

It is much to wet and yucky for me to run to the Hall Center to check our copy - I'll melt en route...

Please don't do that Lauri, Frosty is still in counseling due to his fear of global warming. We don't want to loose you too!

[Rsmyth]

This and other questions will be answered in a book currently at the editors titled: The Lincoln Assassination, The Flags of Fords Theater, put out by that comedic duo Smyth and Garrett. Should be out in time for the next symposium.

[JB Banning]

Laurie, I found this online. Follow this link and on that page is a link to download the book I think you were asking about. There are also floor plans on that page that show the layout of Ford's theater in 1865.

http://civilwar.gratzpa.org/2012/01/the-...ura-keene/

Joe

[Gene C]

Thanks guys, that was what I was wondering about.

Sounds like another interesting book.
Joe, that is an interesting blog that also has an article about Laura Keene's dress.

[RJNorton]

Laurie, I found this online. Follow this link and on that page is a link to download the book I think you were asking about. There are also floor plans on that page that show the layout of Ford's theater in 1865.

http://civilwar.gratzpa.org/2012/01/the-...ura-keene/

Joe

Joe, many thanks for posting that link. I think it's apparent from my previous posts that it is my personal opinion that Laura Keene may never have been in the State Box, despite the several people who said she was. I tend to agree that Clara Harris was telling the truth when she said Keene was never there, but I realize I am in the minority on this one. Joe, that link you posted reinforces my personal belief, however. Herb, in answer to your question about the flag, it is my personal opinion that it is probably Rathbone's blood. Rich and Jim, we all look forward to your book!

[L Verge]

Joe - Thanks for taking us to that blog. I have used it on occasion and love it. I had forgotten that Olszewski's work was outlined on it. The area that I was thinking of is what is called the Lounge here, and note that there was a stairway that led backstage from that room. I don't know what happened to that room during the last remodeling, but it was a meeting room about ten years ago where we sometimes attended small lectures.

[JB Banning]

It was my pleasure. Everyone here has taught me so much it is nice to give back a little. I had always believed that Miss Keene was in the box with Lincoln as it was said she was. That blog has made me reevaluate that belief.

[J. Beckert]

It is an interesting blog and they certainly do their homework, but they're rather rough on the Gourlay family and very rude towards a member of this forum with regards to the Pike County Lincoln flag. I remember alerting Rich Smyth to this controversy, but he can better address that himself and I'm sure it's covered in his and Jim's next book.

The Laura Keene in the box issue was kicked around here before and one of the things that makes it so confusing is the Clara Harris/ Dr. Leale accounts being polar opposites. Even though Leale's account is from 44 years later, he was not an old man at that time. Some of our Victorian era etiquette experts here (She Rebels), speculated that Clara may have denied Keene was in the box out of respect to Mrs. Lincoln. Maybe Keene was allowed to hold Lincoln's head as he was carried to the street? I believe Seaton Munroe saw her bloodied before she'd left the theater.