Rare Vintage Late 1930s to Early 1940s Prairie Rose shops Henderson Girl's Cowgirl Costume Set. Read Description
Thinking late 1930s to early 1940s Young girl's western wear/costume with a leather fringed.
Thinking late 1930s to early 1940s. Young girl's western wear/costume with a leather fringed skirt, flannel pull over blouse, vest, and flocked bandana. Unusually uncommon featured rodeo celebrity, Prairie Rose Henderson. Not Annie Oakley or Dale Evans, both of whom had influenced a variety of merchandise.
Rose Clayton (Nee Rose Gale), professional name Prairie Rose Henderson, was likely the first professional woman athlete having won a horse racing event at Cheyenne Frontier Days in 1899. She won a bronc riding event in 1906. Her story, as you sift through the myths and the facts, is inspiring, fascinating, rough, and tragic. She won a bronc riding championship in L.A. in 1913, rode in the NY Stampede in 1916, won the Cheyenne championship in 1917, and retired in 1929.
She disappeared in 1932 and her remains found in 1939. Her 3rd husband was arrested on a cattle rustling charge and the story states that she left the house that day, during a blizzard, to find her horse and lead him back to the barn. 7 yrs later, remains were found, along with a halter and her championship rodeo buckle.
An American legend. Apparently, and appropriately, Prairie Rose Henderson was a cowgirl hero to some little girls, which led to the creation of this costume. Still looking for any articles/adverts, but no success. Was she overshadowed by shops Hollywood cowgirls? Was it a localized novelty?
Hard pressed to find anything like it.
Looks to be about a size 6-7.
Skirt is 13 inches long with an 11 inch waist. The flannel top measures just to 14 inches across the front of the chest, 12 inch shoulders, and 16 inches long.
Condition:
Overall, very good. The top is missing the right side tie at the collar. The leather fringe is curled, and there is a small tear at the bottom of the skirt. I've not cleaned this set.
Please don't hesitate to convo if any Qs!
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