2006.37.1

White silk organza wedding gown purchased at I. Magnin in Oakland. Gown has short sleeves, and a scooped neckline; the neckline is scalloped to follow the pattern of the lace appliques. The bodice is heavily appliqued with corded lace, many flowers, lots of roses. The appliques are trimmed with pearlescent sequins, small artificial pearls, and beads. The full skirt also has the appliques, but there are fewer of them as they seem to cascade from the bodice down. The dress closes in the back with 34, small, covered buttons into 34 small loops; there is a bow at the back of the waist with two streamers that flow over the skirt. The skirt ends in a train at the back. (Sleeves are not set in. Kleinert's silk dress shields still in place.)

This wedding gown was purchased at I. Magnin in Oakland. Mary Chinn, Bette's mother, was a regular customer. Bette wore the dress for her wedding to Jerome Dare, in Oakland, June 30, 1962 in the First Congregational Church. Bette told her college friends at Mills' Olney Hall about her engagement by passing the traditional candle and candy. Her parents (Mr. and Mrs. Harry E. Chinn) also hosted a party at their home on East 27th Street where gilded walnut shells, when opened, disclosed the names of "Bette and Jerry." Jerome Dare's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Dare lived on Clay Street in San Francisco. Jerome graduated from the University of California, Berkeley where he was affiliated with Pi Alpha Phi faternity.

Used: Oakland | Bette Chinn | Bette Chinn Dare | I. Magnin & Co.