Dr. MacVane's cigar label smoking jacket, Portland, ca. 1900

Contributed by Maine Historical Society

Dr. MacVane's cigar label smoking jacket, Portland, ca. 1900

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Description

Reportedly made by the wives of his fellow Knights of Pythias lodge members, William L. MacVane’s (1876-1949) smoking jacket was made from collected cigar ribbons. Trimmed with black velvet, it includes the style’s hallmark rolled shawl collar and turned up cuffs.

Popularized in the 1850, the smoking jacket was worn while smoking tobacco to protect clothing and absorb orders. It soon tuned fashionable, with bold prints, velvet trimming and varied lengths. The style eventually transitioned into lounge wear, yet still worn over suit trousers and collared shirts.

Dr. William L. MacVane, Sr. from Casco Bay’s Long Island, was a dentist. A graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons’ Boston Dental School, now Tufts University, he practiced in Portland for more than half a century. He was a member of several organizations including the Knights of Pythias, Free Masons, and the Portland Yacht Club.

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About This Item

  • Title: Dr. MacVane's cigar label smoking jacket, Portland, ca. 1900
  • Creation Date: circa 1900
  • Subject Date: circa 1900
  • Location: Portland, Cumberland County, ME
  • Media: ribbon, silk, velvet
  • Local Code: 2016.166.001
  • Collection: Costume collection
  • Object Type: Physical Object

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For more information about this item, contact:

Maine Historical Society
485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website

This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. No Permission is required to use the low-resolution watermarked image for educational use, or as allowed by the applicable copyright. For all other uses, permission is required.

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