The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-04-12
THE NOBLE MILLINER,
Aristocratic English Women in
the Tradesmen's Ranks.
IADYoRANvlLLE coRDoN's SHOP


e.
are nation of shopkeepcrs, is more than
fulfilled. The descendants of feudal barons
now offer their wares to the progeny Of
their kinds. while the granddaughfers of
women who looked upon someone in trade
as q social pariali, whom they could only
Just condescend to note when seeking his
parliamentary vote, are the rivals Of fash
ionable milliners par excellence. 1t is
enough to make those venerable old ladies
turn IN their. graves to think of their of
spring fitting bonnet on the head of
her own butchers wife, and could they
like Adelaide Procfor's Faithful Soul, !"
but return to the homes Of their an
cestors to see the occupations OF their
womankind of today to take peep at the
lady doctors, artists, journalists, deco
rafors, dressmakers, and even gardeners, /
doubt not that on their return to purga-
tory the ange. would bid them pass on, for
In that one moments anguish q thou
sand years had passed" What greater
horror could have avenged the cruelty of
Lady Ashton to poor Lucy than the
thought that her sons son, in spite of the
wealth of Douglas blood flowing in his
veins, would enter into competition with
the princess of Smithfield market, while
his wife designed costumes for Craigen-
geit's daughter. But in spite of our an
cestors pride Of birth, the day has come
when We buy our Goals from dukes, our
wines from the sons of marquises and our
gowns from countesses, and though they
may lose money, they certainly do not lose
caste in the Transaction
The pioneer in the movement which has
led ladies to take up dressmaking as
/ 4vo<3 IA
Lady Granville Gordon, whose plucky ven
turc some six years ago inspired others
with the idea that there was much to be
done In the line of business which she had
elected to carry on. Having suffered severe
losses, Lady Granville set her heart on
earning money, but it was her husband
who was struck by the thought that . mill
linery establishment. personally con-
Quoted" by the daughter-in-law of .
marquis, would be sure to attract the pub
lie. At first Lady Granville hesitated,
dreading the responsibility of the under
mind she set about her business with .
wonderful amount Of energy, and in 1855
with capital of only ESQ NINE Lierre"
opened an attractive little shop in Park
street. The window was then q distinct
/ y
instead Of countless stands, bearing every
variety of hat and bonnet, there were only
half dozen in view, amidst dainty ar
rangement Of drapery: The feminine pass
er-by, even had she not been aware that
this particular shop was kept by Lady
Granville Gordon, could not fail to have
been attracted by the novel arrangement.
And there was something very taking
Oh ~ he~ l.~ l.
ladyship's tasteful fingers, for she was not
had for throwing together" dainty
flowers, but took the trouble to
models and making voluminous notes on
the chifons that appealed TO her artistic
sense. 1t was by no means q pastime to
this first lady miiliner. Great difficulties
beset her on every side. Tradesmen were
indignant that their monopoly was i'm
vaded by peers daughter, and wholesale
houses finding they had novice to deal
with. forgot to make the usual reductions.
1t Was hard struggle. but ladies of today
are reaping the reward of Lady Granvilles
exertions. And it was not only with those
who looked askance that Nine. Lierre had TO
| "A
every way, having no thought of similar
business, was constantly at her side. Every
detail of work was mastered, every list of
customers studied and then Lady Gran
vile received q most affectionate letter,
hoping she would not mind, etc., ETC., but
seeing how much money there was to be
made. this Iago-like dame had decided to
start on her own account. Needless to say
she took several of her dear friends Gus
toners from her.
Lady Granville Gordon found the strain
OF being constantly in attendance at her
shopvery trying, and IS At first her staffw was
extremely limited, it was absolutely nee
essary that Nine. Lierre should be at her
post from 10 q. IN. to s p. m. She had
many droii experiences while attending TO
her customers wants, being often treated
very cavalierly by women who never
dreamed that the delicate young person
they questioned with regard 10 Nine
Lierre was the lady whom their curiosity
had led them 10 see. For curiosity, Lady
Granville told me, was the motive of
very large number who came TO buy her
bonnets. Every woman interested in such
matters wished to see the new miiliner,
from peeresses down TO ladies of more
than Questionable responsibility. Il think
inspired my customers with confidence"
she told me- '.for / never tell them they
them, though as a rule, milliners are al
ways ready with compliment. In
reply TO MANY questions as TO her work
Lady Granville said that, at first, she used
10 make all her hats and bonnets herself,
and though she has now given this I'D,
having a very efficient set of workers, she
still does all the necessary buying. II
never shall forget said she, growing en-
thusiastic over the memory of her success.
the first batch of bonnefs / made and
sent TO the Princess of Wales. She bousht
several, and, ] heard. wore one Of them
frequently in the park. was so delighted.
though could not feel very conceited of
nay creation. as il was only a tribe of black
Malines lace with lace strings and spray
of flowers on the side"
Princess Mary, Duchess of Teck, is also
frequent customer at the little shop in
Park street, where she goes and makes
her selections in person. Lady Granville
confesses that her friends are great trial
TO her. They come into the shop. in her
absence, insist on large reduction OF
prices, on the plea OF friendship, and often
return the articles they have purchased
after having worn them. Even when
they remain satisfied with their bargains
they frequently refuse to pay for them, or
NJ least delay payment for several years.
According 10 Nine Lierre ii becomes more
and more difficult 10 get bills paid hut
added she: This Is not the case with
Americans / wonld far rather have an
American for y customer than an English
woman. She Is always more pleasant to
at the price"
Although Lady Granville found the
strain SO great when she first started, mil
knery Is even now when she has every.