Opera gloves were a standard accessory for eveningwear and attending the opera. Extending above the elbow, the gloves button at the wrist to allow the wearer to free a hand without completely removing the glove.

Soprano Lillian Blauvelt (1873–1947) from New York sang in operas throughout Europe and America—including Maine. One such performance included Portland’s first Maine Choral Association festival in 1897, where they billed Blauvelt as, “America’s favorite Concert Prima Donna Soprano.”