Vigo County Historical Society

Historical Treasure Article

Historic Treasure of the Week - January 27, 1985
By Richard C. Tuttle
Vigo County Historical Society

Driving gloves saved clothing from road dust

Shades of the Stutz Bearcat! Or the Rambler! Or the White-Haynes!

Many recall these as names of early automobiles. Those early automobiles were built like buggies, one or two seats with no top or side curtains, and powered by a one-, two- or four-cylinder engine. Because the roads were little more than dusty lanes, considerable protection had to be worn by driver and passengers to keep billowing dust off clothing.

The leather gloves displayed here were driving gloves, with long gauntlets covering the sleeve back of the wrist. This particular glove, displayed at the Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley, 1411 S. Sixth St., were made by Grinnell, shown on the button on the strap, which could tighten the wrist of the glove.

The long gauntlets were necessary to fully cover the driving coat or duster, worn by both men and women to protect clothing. The duster was of cloth, sometimes linen, and light in color. The gloves usually matched the color of the duster. After all, anyone with a car would not be seen out for a drive with mismatched duster and gloves.

Because the cars were not too reliable over the long haul, the gloves also protected the hands when minor repairs were made or a tire changed. Protective goggles were also worn. Some had a lens of fine screen wire rather than glass.

Anyone for a drive on a hot summer Sunday, fully attired in protective cap, duster and gloves?