1953 St Helena CA Little Hawaii Hula Costumes 2 Sets Photo Provenance for Sale

1953 St Helena CA Little Hawaii Hula Costumes 2 Sets Photo Provenance For Sale

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1953 St Helena CA Little Hawaii Hula Costumes 2 Sets Photo Provenance:
$299.00

ORIGINAL 1953 ST. HELENA, CALIFORNIA “LITTLE HAWAII” CHILDREN’S HULA COSTUMES — TWO SETS WITH PERIOD FAMILY PROVENANCEOffered together are two original vintage children’s Hawaiian/hula performance costumes dating to 1953, one ivory/cream and one deep red.Each costume consists of a matching fringed skirt and fringed top, for a total of four costume pieces.These costumes come directly from the family of their original owner, Elaine Hoyt, and have unusually strong period provenance.Elaine’s mother, Mrs. Ida Hoyt, created a Hawaiian-themed parade entry called “Little Hawaii” in St. Helena, California in 1953.A surviving period newspaper clipping documents the entry and reads:“Mrs. Ida Hoyt’s ‘Little Hawaii’ won second award for most original entry.”Also surviving with the family is an original period portrait showing Elaine as a young child wearing the ivory costume offered in this listing.Together, the surviving costume, Elaine’s original portrait, and the 1953 newspaper clipping provide a wonderful documented connection to this St. Helena parade entry and to early-1950s California community history.INCLUDED IN THIS SALE* Ivory/cream fringed hula skirt
* Matching ivory/cream fringed top
* Deep red fringed hula skirt
* Matching deep red fringed topThe two costumes are closely related in their construction and decoration. Both feature very fine shimmering vintage fringe attached to fabric foundations, with decorative metallic trim worked across the tops and waistbands.The ivory costume is the actual costume Elaine is wearing in the period portrait shown in the photographs.The red costume appears to be from the same period and is constructed in the same style, but we do not have a separate photograph identifying who wore the red set.CONDITIONThese are approximately 73-year-old original performance costumes and are being sold in their surviving, unrestored vintage condition.Please expect age-related wear including:* Loose, tangled and broken fringe
* Missing individual fringe strands
* Fraying
* Wear to fabric foundations and ties
* Areas of loose decorative trim
* Age-related discoloration
* Yellowing/toning to the ivory fabric
* General wear associated with age, storage and original useThe costumes have not been restored or aggressively cleaned.Because of the age and delicate nature of the fringe, these are best considered historic costume, textile, theatrical or display collectibles, rather than modern wearable clothing.Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.PROVENANCESt. Helena, California — 1953Original owner: Elaine HoytElaine’s mother: Mrs. Ida HoytDocumented parade entry: “Little Hawaii”Period clipping states:“Mrs. Ida Hoyt’s ‘Little Hawaii’ won second award for most original entry.”A period portrait also survives showing Elaine wearing the ivory costume being offered here.The original family portrait and newspaper clipping are shown in the listing to document the history and provenance of the costumes and are not included in the sale.A wonderful surviving piece of 1953 St. Helena / Napa Valley history, combining early California community parade history, children’s performance costume, and documented family provenance.Both costume sets are being offered together and will not be separated. Related Items: