Davidow, Inc. collection, 1927-1973
Scope and Contents
This collections contains sketches, promotional materials, photographs and business records for the American women's coat and suit manufacturer Davidow Inc.
Dates
- Creation: 1927-1973
Creator
- Davidow, Inc. (Organization)
Conditions Governing Access
Access is open to researchers by appointment at the Fashion Institute of Technology Library, Department of Special Collections and FIT Archive. If you have any questions, or wish to schedule an appointment contact us at [email protected] or call (212) 217-4385.
Conditions Governing Use
The Department of Special Collections and FIT Archive does not own copyright for all material held in its physical custody. It is the researcher's obligation to abide by and satisfy copyright law (http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#108) when copying or using materials (including digital materials) found in or made available from the department. When possible, the department will inform a researcher about the copyright status of material, the researcher's obligations with regard to such material, and, wherever possible, the owner or owners of the copyrights. Any and all reproduction of originals is at the archivist's discretion.
Biographical / Historical
Founded in 1880 by William H. Davidow in New York City, W. H. Davidow Sons Co., Inc., and later Davidow, Inc. was one of a small group of leading American ready-to-wear manufacturers producing expensive women's clothing that sold nationwide in the better department stores and specialty shops during the first three quarters of the 20th century. The firm was known for its three-piece ensemble (coat and suit of matching or harmonizing fabrics), high quality designer reproductions, and their Daventree Sportswear line. The factory moved from 67 Bleecker Street to lower 5th Avenue and finally to 550 7th Avenue in the mid 1920's. William's sons Melville and Archibald and grandson Steven continued the business into the 1970's. Following Steven's death in 1972, the company was legally dissolved in 1976.
Full Extent
1 placeholder : 38.83 linear feet of sketches, promotional materials, photographs and business records.
Language of Materials
Undetermined
Arrangement
Collection level holds many folders with sketches. Four subsequent series levels contain documents.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Paper materials in this collection are very fragile. Handle with great care.
Custodial History
Arrangement, description, and/or archival processing by May Shimizu in 2016. Updated by Vanessa Tascarella in 2020, and April Calahan and Samantha Levin in 2021, FIT, NY, NY, USA.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donation by Davidow Inc. via Ms. A. McDougal (Archie Davidow's daughter), 1973 September 10
Existence and Location of Originals
The Library of the Fashion Institute of Technology, Department of Special Collections and FIT Archive, 27th St. at 7th Ave., NY, NY , USA, 10001
General
Founded in 1880 by William H. Davidow in New York City, W. H. Davidow Sons Co., Inc., and later Davidow, Inc. was one of a small group of leading American ready-to-wear manufacturers producing expensive women's clothing that sold nationwide in the better department stores and specialty shops during the first three quarters of the 20th century. The firm was known for its three-piece ensemble (coat and suit of matching or harmonizing fabrics), high quality designer reproductions, and their Daventree Sportswear line. The factory moved from 67 Bleecker Street to lower 5th Avenue and finally to 550 7th Avenue in the mid 1920's. William's sons Melville and Archibald and grandson Steven continued the business into the 1970's. Following Steven's death in 1972, the company was legally dissolved in 1976.
General
Published
Subject
- Davidow, William H. (-1972) (subject, Person)
- Title
- Davidow, Inc. collection, 1927-1973
- Date
- 2021-01-29
- Description rules
- Aat; Ansi; Dacs; Dcmi; Isad(g); Iso; Lo C; Niso; Etc
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- English Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections and FIT Archive Repository