Vigo County Historical Society

Historical Treasure Article

Historic Treasure of the Week - April 7, 1985
By Susie Dewey
Vigo County Historical Society

Parasol Popular Fashion Accessory

A wooden handle with a tattered, faded silk cover is all that remains of the parasol in the sewing room of the Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley, 1411 S. Sixth St.

Still, this faded remnant of the past century possesses a long history and a romantic tale.

On the handle are the words "A. Herz." Adolph Herz established his first shop on South Fourth Street between Wabash and Ohio in 1869. Later he established a larger new store on Wabash Avenue. The letters "A. Herz" were his designation before he opened the Herz Bazaar, so the parasol probably was purchased from the smaller shop.

The silk cover is so faded that it is impossible to assign any particular color. The border, woven into a multi-colored flower design is attached to the cover with hand-crocheted stitches. The fabric is split but the stitching around the border is still intact. A faded tassel on the handle is the final touch of elegance. The protective knob of metal at the far end of the umbrella was known as ferrule. Its purpose was to prevent splitting or wearing of the wooden handle.

Small parasols are shown in early Greek and Egyptian paintings. Although The earlier purpose may have been to protect the complexion of both men and women from the sun, by the 19th century the parasol had become an accessory like the muff and the folding fan. Parasols were chosen to enhance the costume. They were especially popular gifts and were selected with care.

An interesting development was the way in which parasols were carried. In the early 19th century small parasols were often held when closed by the ferrule. Often a ring was attached to the ferrule for that purpose. A very small parasol was known as the carriage parasol. In the later decades of the century larger parasols and long-stemmed umbrellas, tightly rolled, became popular.

The first half of the century saw parasols of many colors. Turquoise and heliotrope were popular. Later colors were rose, pistachio, roasted coffee and ponceau, a strong red or reddish orange color. The white silk parasols from Paris had wide borders of flowers either woven or painted on the fabric.

Parasols were sometimes quilted as well as lined. Often the lining was a contrasting color. Some parasols were finished with fringe or balls the color of the lining. Some were trimmed with lace. It was particularly stylish to select a parasol to match the gloves of the costume.

Handles were usually wooden and intricately carved. The acanthus leaf was a popular pattern. The very fancy parasols had polished steel handles and were engraved. Later the tightly-rolled black silk umbrella replaced the feminine, fussy parasol. Handles became functional rather than decorative.

Ladies of the 19th century selected parasols to harmonize with their dress and to provide a becoming background for their face, hair and hat. As accessories they enhanced the carrier rather than serving any useful function. Unless, of course, flirtation is considered a useful function.

The faded, tattered parasol in the sewing room in the museum was undoubtedly a favorite of some belle of Terre Haute, She valued it sufficiently to save it for many years until it reached its present place of security in the museum.

The museum will be closed today in observance of Easter. Open hours are from 1 to 4 p.m. through Friday.