Photocopy: Letter written by Mrs. Kirkwood to Tom Smith · Greer Heritage Museum collection

Title

Photocopy: Letter written by Mrs. Kirkwood to Tom Smith

Accession Number

2026.25.1

Accession Date

11 March 2026

Accession Creator

Adrienne Fuehrer

Depositor

Found in collection

Description

Three-page photocopy of item 1997.48.3

Letter written by Mrs. Kirkwood to Tom Smith July 17, 1972. Mrs. Kirkwood was 103 years old at this time.
The letter spans two pages and 1997.48.3 also includes the envelope.
Tom owned Jean West Co. Inc., a ladies apparel store in Greenville.

Date

17 July 1972

Format

paper

Storage Location

Box 11 Folder 3 (Viola Kirkwood)

Text

Greer, S.C.
July 17 – 72

Dear Tom,

Since I’ve seen you. I’ve wonderd if I told you, why I made the Point Lace dress.

We were living in Biloxi Mississippi a small town at that time. But the home town of the Southern President Jeff Davis, “Bawvor” [Beauvoir]. In 1900 Mrs Davis and Daughter Winnie came down to Biloxi to give the old home and property to the State of Mississippi for an old soldiers home.

My Father was chosen to meet the Ladys at the depot and escort theme to the finest hotel, best suite of roomes. He had the match team of horses and carrage.

Mother & I were invited to the Reception that night
We neither had a formal to wear to a gathering like that. And no time to go 90 miles on a train to New Orleans to get one. No time so I am going to make one I can wear for any occasion.

Point lace at that time was made by a few.

So I made a dress to fit me out of [calico], drew the desigen on it then ripped it apart in sectons for easy working. When each secton was finished I worked them together so there is no seam all one peace. Believe me that’s work. Nine months every few days I did not put a few hours work on it!

I had a photo studio at the time so my husband took a picture of me in it. Never had an occasion to wear it but one then it rained us out and others we stayed home.

The braid eylets thread art is pure linnin. It has taken several prises at state
fares on a dummy figures.

An actress gave me the address of a firme in New York wher she bought her
dresses. for valuation. I did. He imported from France. He valued it at one thousand
But I made it for my self so would not sell. But now at 103 years. No wear.
It cost me over 2500. for the material and 0 the work. Hope you can read
this Jim. So nervous.

With Love,
Mrs Viola Kirkwood
Come. C_

Relation

Dr. Viola Minnie Post Kirkwood