LaVerne (Ruff) Graf Collection

Collection

Identifier: GRHC 092

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The LaVerne (Ruff) Graf Collection contains a bodice, skirt, and a ribbon. The textiles date to about 1919 to 1920, and they are in good condition.

The bodice, 2000.04.01.a, is black satin and has three quarter length kimono sleeves ending in a cuff lined with pink colored silk. The collarless is a slightly gathered neckline. There are pink and green sequins and a black beaded flower at the base of the bodice. The bodice is gathered at the waist with three inch band, and there is a snap closure in the back with ten fake pink, black and white ball buttons, with one missing.

The skirt, 2000.04.01b, is black satin, and the waistband is of stuff fabric. Placket is closed with snap fastener, and the closure is missing.

The ribbon is a long piece of velvet (2000.04.01c), about two inches wide. It is likely the ribbon was once part of the waistband.

Dates

1919

Access

Access to the physical collection is available upon request. Request must be made at least three (3) business days prior to ndsu.grhc@ndsu.edu.

Copyright

Copyrights to items in this collection remain with original copyright holders or are in the public domain.

Biography

LaVerne (Ruff) Graf was born to parents Samuel and Mathilde (Fetzer) Ruff. Samuel William Ruff was born on May 26, 1892 in Romania. He immigrated to the United States with his family in 1902 and settled south of Medina, North Dakota. Mathilde Fetzer was born on September 1, 1896 in Neuberg, South Russia to parents Heinrich and Katherina (Grueble) Fetzer. The Heinrich Fetzer family immigrated to the United States in 1900, settling in Venturia, ND. Samuel Ruff married Mathilde Fetzer on August 24, 1914. Mathilde (Fetzer) Ruff died on June 15, 1950, and Samuel W. Ruff died on April 10, 1966.

Extent

3 Items (3 textiles)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Summary

This collection contains a woman’s black satin bodice and skirt; black velvet belt, circa 1919.

Provenance

Materials were donated by LaVerne (Ruff) Graf on November 8, 2000.

Separated Materials

The LaVerne (Ruff) Graf Collection, 2000.04, is housed at the Emily P. Reynolds Historic Costume Collection, NDSU. Advanced notice is requested for the viewing of this collection.

Textiles

2000.04.01a - Woman’s bodice: The bodice is black satin and has three quarter length kimono sleeves ending in a cuff lined with pink colored silk. The collarless is a slightly gathered neckline. There are pink and green sequins and a black beaded flower at the base of the bodice. The bodice is gathered at the waist with three inch band, and there is a snap closure in the back with ten fake pink, black and white ball buttons, with one missing.
2000.04.01b - Woman’s skirt: The skirt is black satin, and the waistband is of stuff fabric. Placket is closed with snap fastener, and the closure is missing.
2000.04.01c - Velvet ribbon: The ribbon is a long piece of velvet, about two inches wide. It is likely the ribbon was once part of the waistband.