Mary Evans Horne Coke was a frail woman and an invalid during the times that she was the First Lady of Texas. U.S. Senator Coke bought a home in Waco where Mary lived during his three terms in Congress.

The gown has a tight basque, an overskirt and back fullness. It is made of ivory satin brocade draped over a black satin skirt; the V-neck is outlined with soft shirring of the material. Rosepoint lace trims the neck and the three-quarter length sleeves.