We hope you have enjoyed reading about items from the Benton County Historical Society's collection at this site in the past. From now on, you can find similar stories on the museum's web page https://bentoncountymuseums.org/stories/, under "stories" and "research-featured finds".
Holiday time has often met events such as concerts, parties, and weddings. Until the late 1920s, a well-dressed man attending these events would need these items from the Benton County Historical Society's collection.
Army-issue gaiters from World War II
During the late 19th and early 20th century, spats became an item of men's fashion and a symbol of elegance. They came in different colors- primarily black, white, and gray-- which fashion dictated should match the color of one's gloves.
After 1926, when England's King George first appeared in public without spats, their use gradually declined. Increasingly, they were reserved for special occasions. The spats shown above were worn by donor Dwight Curtis Mumford on his wedding day, September 28, 1929.
Although generally associates with male fashion, spats were also worn by women, especially when needed to protect from mud. These “Tweedies Bootops” date from around 1915.
