Demorest, William Jennings, 1822-1895 (1822-1895)
Dates
- Existence: 1822-1895
Biography
William Jennings Demorest was the publisher of Demorest's Illustrated Monthly, a fashion periodical. In addition to its fashion illustrations, the publication is noteworthy for its introduction of paper dressmaking patterns, Mme. Demorest's invention. The couple received numerous awards for their fashion and technology patents. Outside of publishing and fashion ventures, Demorest was active in politics as a member and later leader of the Prohibition Party in New York. Towards the end of his life he organized the Demorest Medal Contests, a series of public speaking competitions designed to promote the cause of temperance.
Places
Found in 4 Collections and/or Records:
Demorest collection, a.k.a. Ransom Family collection, 1854-1909
This collection is comprised of images of members of the Demorest family, publications by William Jennings Demorest and Mme. (Ellen Louise Curtis) Demorest, medals presented by Demorest Medal Contests, and correspondence to W. Jennings Demorest.
Demorest's Illustrated Monthly Magazine, vol. 3, 1867, 1867
This folder contains a bound copy of Vol. 3 of Demorest's Illustrated Monthly Magazine, the Ladies' Literary Conservator, and Mme. Demorest's Mirror of Fashions, 1867. Front cover bears inscription: "To Annie Meate, from Sister Nell."
Demorest's Monthly Magazine, vol. 18, 1882, 1882
This folder contains Vol. 18 of Demorest's Monthly Magazine, 1882. Editors are listed as W. Jennings Demorest, Mme. Demorest, and Jennie June (a.k.a. Jane Cunningham Croly). Includes an engraving of William Jennings Demorest.
Medals, 1855-1909, 1855-1909
This box contains 10 medals presented to Mme Demorest and William Jennings Demorest for fashion designs, illustrations, patterns, and technological inventions including a miniature gas stove and sewing machine improvements. Awarding institutions include The Holland Society of New York, American Institute New-York, Columbia University, 1853-1908. 1 cased medal presented to William Curtis Demorest by the Hudson-Fulton Celebration, 1909.