Interesting collection of five items, all personally-owned by the Wilson family during their time in the White House: a pair of fine white ermine fur pieces used by First Lady Ellen Wilson as trim for her coat; a fine pair of off-white doeskin gloves, personally-owned by First Lady Ellen Wilson; a long braid of First Lady Ellen Wilson’s hair kept by Maggie Rogers, who regularly trimmed her hair; a beautiful evening purse embroidered with gold thread, personally-owned by President Woodrow Wilson’s cousin, Helen Bones; and a white lace cravat personally-owned by Helen Bones. Includes detailed letters of provenance on White House letterhead from Lillian Rogers Parks, who was a best selling author as well as housekeeper and seamstress at the White House for over 30 years, from President Hoover through President Eisenhower. Helen Bones was Woodrow Wilson’s first cousin and she actually resided with the Wilson family at the White House for six years, serving the administration in various capacities, including as First Lady Ellen Axson Wilson’s social secretary. Fascinatingly, it was Ms. Bones who first introduced President Wilson to Edith Galt, whom he married shortly thereafter. Personal items belonging to the first Mrs. Wilson are virtually nonexistent.
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