1973 ceremonial kimono donated in honor of
Anna Roberta Foard Smith
We are honored to introduce a beautiful Mother-of-the-Groom kimono, generously donated in honor of Anna Roberta Foard Smith by her granddaughter, Leslie A. Dann. This custom-made kimono holds a wonderful story: it was worn by Mrs. Smith in 1973 during a simulated traditional Japanese wedding ceremony in Japan.
At JEINY, we are committed to honoring the intentions of our donors. This precious piece will now be used by the Japan Educational Center to provide hands-on experiences, allowing anyone interested in Japanese culture to actively learn about its rich traditions. Thank you to the Smith family for entrusting us with this beautiful memory!
In the fall of 1973, Anna “Roberta” F. Smith (1907-1998) accompanied her husband, J. “Henry” Smith (1910-1990), from New Jersey to Japan for an international insurance industry event. That same year, Henry had become Chairman and CEO of the Equitable Life Assurance Society (“Equitable” today). Activities were planned to entertain his attending family members. About one month before the trip, the event organizers invited Roberta to participate in a simulation of a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony. Upon accepting, she was asked her favorite colors. Her American dress size was 12 but they needed all of her measurements for a custom made kimono to wear at the ceremony.
The complete outfit, from undergarments to obi to footwear, was delivered to Roberta’s hotel room just prior to the “wedding event”. A Japanese woman helped her dress and it fit her very well. After a short ceremony there was a reception and photos were taken. Everything but the obi folded up into a small suitcase. The complete garment was generously gifted and shipped home to Roberta in New Jersey, along with studio photo prints as souvenirs.
The kimono was passed down to Roberta’s daughter, Janet S. Dann, who also went on the 1973 trip to Japan with her husband Herbert I. Dann, Jr. The hand-written instructions included in the suitcase were written by Herbert when he tried to help Janet dress in the kimono years later. Aside from these two times, it is believe the kimono was never worn before its donation to the Japan Educational Center on December 15, 2025.
Roberta was an elementary school teacher, lifelong Girl Scout leader, and raised four children with Henry. Her family is sure she would be very happy to know that her prized kimono has been gifted in her name to the Japan Educational Center at the Japanese Educational Institute of New York, so that anyone interested in Japanese culture can actively learn about related traditions through hands-on experiences with this beautiful kimono.
Kimono donated by Roberta’s granddaughter, Leslie A. Dann.