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Eugenie Gowns
| Name: | Eugenie Gowns |
|---|---|
| Dates: |
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1898 (Life/Active Dates)
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| Biography/History: | Sophia and Eugenie Hartog (c1864-1953) were born into a large Manhattan family, daughters of a Belgian importer. Their mother died in 1871, and by 1900 the two sisters, now in their early 30s and still single, were living in a married sister’s household. In 1902 Sophia became the 3rd wife of wealthy Col. William Mann, an entrepreneur and magazine editor. In 1905 Eugenie married Hans von Chorus, a German horse trainer, and they moved to Mamaroneck NY. Possibly as early as 1898, the sisters were co-partners in a profitable business known as Eugenie’s, makers of gowns, waists and other apparel, at 557 Fifth Avenue. However, in 1907 the sisters dissolved their partnership after Eugenie refused to continue making loans to Sophia’s husband. Since Eugenie “had practically managed the business since it was organized in 1898,” she was appointed receiver, and the company continued in operation. Between 1910 and 1916, New York City directories listed several business addresses for “Eugenie’s” salon. Eugenie Von Chorus also changed home address frequently. In 1910, Eugenie Von Chorus was selling gowns at 546 5th av R501. Despite the dissolution of their “Eugenie’s” partnership, both Hartog sisters (maiden names) were listed as selling infants’ wear nearby at 557 5th av.. Also in 1910, Eugenie’s husband Hans was living separately at Hotel Cumberland; he apparently returned to Germany after 1911. Eugenie traveled to Europe in 1913 and again in 1914, returning home to another business address, 634 5th Ave. [Note: During February visits to NYC in 1914 and 1915, Spokane’s Helen Campbell and her mother Grace purchased numerous clothing items from "Eugénie's." They made no reference to Eugenie’s during their similar NYC trips in early 1916 and early 1917.] Eugenie’s last NYC business listing was 1916; she appeared in Los Angeles between 1922 and 1924. A 1924 petition for naturalization listed husband Hans in Berlin, Germany; she also applied for a passport to go abroad to “visit relatives” in 1924 and went abroad at least once more, returning to NYC in May 1929. By 1930 the two sisters were living together again in Sophie’s home in White Plains, NY. Sophie was now widowed and wealthy; Eugenie was listed alternately as single, widowed and divorced. Sophie died on 6 April 1952, and Eugenie on 13 Nov 1953. |
| Related Objects: |
3096.2 (Dress, Dance Frock, 1914)
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