Images(10)

Costume, Performance

Object number2022.100.2 a,b

Datec. 1958

MediumFabric; Synthetic fabric; Satin; Metal; Plastic(?) or Stone(?)

Credit LineGift of Louise Baldauf

DescriptionTwo-piece performance costume comprised of shirt and skirt. Long-sleeve collared shirt made from synthetic fabrics. Shirt is light blue with navy blue-purple chest, upper back, and sleeve cuffs. Beige and pink fringe along chest, shoulders, back, and back of sleeves. Beige trim along collar, shoulders, chest, back, sleeve cuffs, and bordering front buttons. Pink satin trim along bottom. One embroidered beige double-sided arrow over each breast. Snaps down front opening and on sleeve cuffs; snaps have gray stone-like front. Calf-length navy blue-purple synthetic fabric skirt. Flares out at bottom. Metal zipper on proper left side opening with metal snap and two hook-and-eye fasteners at top. Waist has four light blue fabric belt loops. Two pockets on front of waist; each pocket has beige embroidered double-sided arrow. Beige and pink fringe along bottom.DimensionsHeight x Width (a - Width between shoulder seams): 30 x 16 in. (76.2 x 40.6 cm)
Height x Width (b - Width at waist): 35.25 x 14 in. (89.5 x 35.6 cm)
Marks(a)
Each male side of the snaps have engraved text around perimeter "DOT SNAPPERS".
Historical NotesThis costume was one of several made of this pattern worn by Abbie Neal. Neal gave the costume to Ruth Baldauf of Butler, Pennsylvania, who was a friend of Neal’s and a member of the band’s fan club. Abbie Neal was a country music fiddler, guitarist, and singer who is best known as leader of Abbie Neal and her Ranch Girls (sometimes called Abbie Neal and the Ranch Girls) a Country and Western band that formed in the 1940s. Neal was a native of Brookville, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, who grew up playing country music and performing at square dances with her family. As a teenager, she studied classical violin and appeared mainly in classical music performances but returned to country music after pursuing auditions for country bands. Neal performed and hosted radio and television programs on local stations in Greensburg, Johnstown, Pittsburgh, Homestead, and Wheeling. Abbie Neal and her Ranch Girls toured nationally and performed on several USO tours. Neal moved to Reno, Nevada in 1958, where she continued to perform for over forty years.

Previous owner Abbie Neal (died 2004)

Related institution Abbie Neal and her Ranch Girls

Previous owner Ruth Baldauf

Subjects