Majorette's Uniform
Period1952-1954
Place MadeNew Jersey, USA
MediumSynthetic satin, gilt braid, goldtone metal buttons, steel zipper, rabbit fur, cotton twill tape
Dimensions30 in. (76.2 cm)
ClassificationsCostume, Women's
Credit LineGift of Carl Beams, 2022
Object number2022.6.1
DescriptionGirl's high school majorette marching uniform of synthetic heavy weight ivory satin. The garment is constructed with a back zip closure, standup collar, long sleeves with zippers at the fitted cuffs, fitted bodice, and flared short skirt. The hem of the skirt is trimmed with a band of real rabbit fur. Decorative ivory satin epaulettes are sewn to the shoulders and trimmed with synthetic gold braid fringe and domed goldtone buttons. Three decorative bands of gold braid decorate the front of the bodice and are arranged horizontally across the chest with trios of side loops and goldtone buttons. Goldtone braid and buttons also ornament the cuffs and a single band of goldbraid encircles the neck.NotesJanet Matthews, daughter of Isabelle Moreau (1905-1997) and Kenneth K. Matthews (died 1957), was born in May of 1938. She had a brother named Kenneth J Matthews (died 1994) who became the reverend at the First Presbyterian Church of Freehold. Her father died when she was about 19 years old. Janet was a part of many extracirculars including Girl Scouts and 4-H Club. She joined the Junior Varsity cheer team at Freehold High School in November 1952. A description of the uniforms for both the varsity and J.V. teams at the time are very different from this uniform. In December 1953, Janet offically became a majorette and advanced quickly. Along with Pat Tuveson, Janet was a head majorette by her junior year of high school in 1954. By 1955, she was the only head majorette and was creating all of the new team routines herself. It was announced in June of 1956 that Janet was to marry Paul H. Ekdahl and that she was set to attend the Wilfred Academy of Hair and Beauty Culture in Newark. Ekdahl worked for the Moreau Plant Company. Janet's mother had been remarried to Frank J. Moreau (died 1967). Janet and Paul were officially married in July of 1957.
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