Grand Rapids Public Museum

Sisters Doris and Janice Cole were a lot like other teenage girls in Grand Rapids in the 1950s. They enjoyed attending social events and dances dressed up in the graceful gowns of the day. The girls regularly attended events at East Grand Rapids High School, Ottawa Hills High School and later, the University of Michigan and Radcliffe College. Along the way, they accumulated a substantial collection of dresses.

Doris Cole recently donated much of her collection to the Museum - 18 party dresses worn from 1952-55, and very fashionable examples of the period. Along with the dresses, Doris offered her personal archives of photos, invitations, yearbooks and newspaper clippings featuring the garments being worn.

The excellent condition of the dresses is a testimony to the value Helen Cole (mother) and Doris placed on maintaining the garments during the last 60 years. The memories she held onto demonstrate a deep connection to the time, place and the happy celebrations where they were worn. At family weddings, school dances, and other special celebrations, the Cole sisters had photographs taken and kept event invitations as keepsakes. They were even photographed together wearing their dresses in a set of elegant color portraits that continue to hang in Doris’ home.

Invitation, 1954; Commencement Exercises for East Grand Rapids High School, 1955; Phi Sigma Chi, Silver Anniversary of the Homecoming Ball, 1953; Students enjoy dancing to the music of Joe Podel at the ‘November Nocturne’ from the Ottawa Hills Legend High School Yearbook, 1954

The collection includes stylish “New Look” inspired party dresses with pinched waists and full skirts. These were made of modern synthetic fabrics such as nylon tulle netting that was newly available during the period.

2010.55.2                                            2010.55.5                                             2010.55.17

Furthermore, the dresses offer interesting insight into how much shopping has changed in Grand Rapids during the twentieth century. Dress shopping for Doris and Janice’s events required a visit to downtown Grand Rapids. There they would shop at their favorite stores including Doody Dress Shop, Jacobson’s, and Mrs. Vezoski’s dress shop, located on Fulton Street East. They also shopped at major department stores such as Steketee’s, Wurzburg’s and Herpolsheimer’s on Monroe Avenue. All have since closed.

To learn more about Doris and her dresses search the Collections Catalog using the keywords "Doris Cole".