Despite its European origins, plaid developed distinctly American incarnations. Pennsylvania’s Woolrich Woolen Mills first made a buffalo plaid (red and black checked) shirt during the 1850s, and Oregon’s Pendleton Woolen Mills became known for its plaids starting in the 1860s. The association with early 20th-century outdoorsmen and loggers conjures visions of lumberjacks and the fabled giant, Paul Bunyan, in plaid flannel shirts. For many, plaid has come to symbolize rugged masculinity and wholesome American heritage.The newest incarnation of the classic lumberjack is known as the “urban woodsman,” and is just one brand of the 21st-century hipster. This look necessitates the flannel, boots, and beard of yesteryear, combined with a modern lifestyle., Gift of Barbara Thatcher Williams, 2006.28.16. Featured in "Mad for Plaid" Exhibit.
Plaid makes its annual comeback when cold weather arrives. Cozy wool skirts and coats bring warmth and cheer to the winter season. Cleveland’s Steve Cagliostro Jr. even designed his own wool jacket for Christmas Day while working for the menswear brand Joseph & Feiss. Many American families carry on a tradition of pulling out the same garment each year at holiday time. For some, the festivities provide an excuse to wear a vibrant pattern such as Chisholm Halle’s Buchanan tartan pants. Others use holiday parties as an excuse to wear something new, such as this 1976 plaid jumpsuit., Joseph & Feiss Co. Worn in Cleveland by Steve Cagliostro, Jr. Gift of Teresa Romano, 1999.31.11. Featured in "Mad for Plaid" Exhibit.
Despite its European origins, plaid developed distinctly American incarnations. Pennsylvania’s Woolrich Woolen Mills first made a buffalo plaid (red and black checked) shirt during the 1850s, and Oregon’s Pendleton Woolen Mills became known for its plaids starting in the 1860s. The association with early 20th-century outdoorsmen and loggers conjures visions of lumberjacks and the fabled giant, Paul Bunyan, in plaid flannel shirts. For many, plaid has come to symbolize rugged masculinity and wholesome American heritage.The newest incarnation of the classic lumberjack is known as the “urban woodsman,” and is just one brand of the 21st-century hipster. This look necessitates the flannel, boots, and beard of yesteryear, combined with a modern lifestyle., Shirt: Kentcrest. Gift of Arthur Born, 73.44.13. Jacket: Pendleton. Worn in Cleveland by Allen Mednik. Gift of Mrs. Allen Mednik, 91.74.34. Featured in "Mad for Plaid" Exhibit.
The bright red Royal Stewart tartan is one of the most iconic and classic plaids. The very same tartan was used to make an 1850s dressing gown, also in the exhibit. That rich silk uses a more subtle color palette than this bright fabric, woven 100 years later. Clevelander Emma Lincoln wore this dress during the 1950s. When not attending parties in fabulous fashions, she worked as a lawyer, mastered many languages, traveled the world, and raised a family. Emma was a remarkable woman, and her generosity to the WRHS will be remembered and treasured., Worn in Cleveland by Emma Lincoln. Gift of Emma Lincoln, 2002.17.7. Featured in "Mad for Plaid" Exhibit.
Ben F. Corday and his children, Estelle and Ellis, enjoy a Sunday drive in the family Winton. The bridge and the serpentine path were designed by Charles Schweinfurth, circa 1910., "Courtesy of Mrs. Jacob Wattenmaker"