[Inaugral Gown] Mary McKee wore this gown to her father's inaugural ball in 1889. In accordance with President Benjamin Harrison's economic philosophy of "buy American," her gown was intentionally all-American.

Indiana artist Mary Williamson designed the fabric pattern, and the Logan Silk Company of Auburn, New York, wove the brocaded fabric. It incorporates a pattern of goldenrod-- President Harrison's favorite flower.

Courtesy of the National Museum of American History, gift of Benjamin Harrison McKee and Mary McKee Reisinger, 1945
Inaugural Gown worn by Mary Harrison McKee (1858-1930), President Benjamin Harrison's daughter, 1889; made by William Ghormley, New York City, silk brocade

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