Here’s a neat find from the recent Red Power Round-Up – an authentic IH dress! This dress belongs to Doug and Connie Etzkorn, who were kind enough to let me try it on. What a gem!
Details on this dress are hard to come by. My best guess is that it is from the 1957 IH Dealer’s Convention, a huge event which included many levels of incentives for IH dealers who met or exceeded their sales goals. According to a 1957 press release (courtesy of the Wisconsin Historical Society), a ten-month sales campaign culminated in a trip to Los Angeles for more than 600 dealers and their wives.
For the 131 dealers who had exceeded their sales projections by 60% or more, the excitement continued with an all-expense-paid 5-day trip to Hawaii. What a treat! My sources indicate that this dress and matching shawl was made for that special event, along with coordinating shirts for the men. It’s a little unclear who received them (all attendees, or just the workers?), but they make a fabulous collector’s item today!
The material is full of 1950s flair – palm trees, tropical flowers, happy couples receiving leis, a United Airlines plane, and the words “Tom McGuire welcomes you” and “Nellie McGuire welcomes you.” The IH logo is, of course, scattered throughout the print as well.
While the dress I tried on has a tan background, one with a blue background (and up-close looks at the print) is available for viewing here. A travel book and pin (featuring the Hawaiian Holiday) is available here.
Dennis Erickson says
I was trained by U.S. Air Force as Aircraft Mechanic, Chanute AFB, Il 1964.
Worked on many different Air Craft from 1964 to 1967.
Worked on our family 1947 Farmall Model M, 2014-2015.
This person has changed my mind about Female Mechanics.
Very, Very Great Mechanic.
I was humbled! She is also Beautiful.