Destinations: famous Civil War artifact at Olympic Hotel this Friday

Civil War Fundraiser Artifact at Seattle’s Fairmont Olympic Hotel this Friday, October 31, 411 University St, Seattle, WA 98101, 206-621-1700.

What famous Civil War Artifact will receive the American Red Cross award “the Clara Barton” and why?

Miss Rose Percy, born 1861

The answer: Rose Percy, arguably the most important doll in American history. Born in 1861, her remarkable story began when the young ladies of the finest finishing school in New York City, owned and operated by Mrs. Sarah Ogden Hoffman, decided to do their part for the upcoming Metropolitan Sanitary Fair, which was ultimately held in 1864.

The girls worked for two years to create Rose’s wardrobe of clothing which features finery fit for Queen Victoria herself. The girls asked the most prominent merchants of the day for accessories that might accompany their creations, and would also provide Rose with items that might be tempting to her potential buyer. 

After being supplied with exquisite fabrics by New York’s premier dry-goods purveyor Arnold, Constable anc Co., the schoolgirls secured jewels and other precious treasures from the boutique of Charles Tiffany, along furriers Messrs. C.G. Gunther.  Rose Percy has over 100 pieces of clothing and exquisite accessories.

Purchased by Mrs. John Jacob Astor
who donated her back

At the Metropolitan Sanitary Fair, Rose was first purchased outright by Mrs. John Jacob Astor (for an unknown large amount), who then in an act of extreme generosity, donated her back to the Sanitary Commission to be raffled off again. The raffle raised $1200 in addition to the unknown amount paid by Mrs. Astor. The $1200 that was paid for a mere doll was an unbelievable sum in its time. Immediately, Rose was dispatched to other sanitary fairs in order to help raise additional funds for those suffering from the ravages of the Civil War.

Rose Percy aided worthy causes for 60 years

Rose Percy aided worthy causes for a sixty-year period. In 1919, Rose was gifted to the American Red Cross, and with that gift, she became the official mascot of the Junior Red Cross. The year 2010 found the American Red Cross facing deficits, so the decision was made to sell off valuable assets in order to reduce their debt, and sell Rose. Rose Percy was purchased by a proud American with the wish that she should resume activities in the United States and be an active fundraiser for those in need. 

The Seattle Doll and Toy Collectors Club are hosting, this weekend, a  Rose Percy fundraiser with the American Red Cross, raising funds for: The Fisher House which serves Veterans and their families, Wounded Warrior Project, and the American Red Cross.

The event is only open to the public on Friday from 1pm - 4pm to view historic items from the American Red Cross, Rose Percy, and a nurse doll collection.

For further information contact the Directors of the Rose Percy Foundation at the website.