Wedding Dress
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Katharine Anna Klauder
(1877 - 1910)
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1901-1905
MediumMachine-stitched silk, cotton, boning, brass hooks and eyes
DimensionsBodice (center front length): 17in. (43.2cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Klaudia Ockert Steidle Shepard and Joy Steidle Graeub
Object number2001.7.4a-b
DescriptionThis dress is made of lavender silk with woven dots and printed medallions of pink flowers on white background. The bodice (a) has a high, wired collar overlaid with white cotton lace cut-outs. The yoke is of cream-colored silk crepe, sewn in horizontal narrow tucks. This fabric with the same treatment appears on the cuffs, and, with wider tucks, at the waist. The yoke is edged with the white floral-design lace cut-outs. This lace also appears around the waist and on either side of the center front. The sleeves are very full above the wrist. The waist is V-shaped. White cotton lining; boned at most seams. Dress shields mounted in armholes. Center front hook and eye closure on lining. Fashion fabric fastens with hooks and eyes at proper left side seam, around armhole, and on shoulder. The stitching at the armholes and sleeves is inconsistent with the rest of the stitching, suggesting that the sleeves were remade to update the style. Therefore, the family history that this is the 1901 wedding dress of Katharine Ockert is likely correct; the sleeves were probably changed about 1903.
The skirt (b) is made of the same lavender silk as the bodice; fitted smoothly at the hips and decorated here with a wide band of the lace. The skirt is gored and full at about knee level; a narrowly pleated flounce is attached to give the skirt a fashionable flare. Over the seam is stitched the white lace. The skirt is unlined. Hook and eye closure at center back.
NotesHistorical Note: Katharine Anna Klauder married Charles Ockert, president of the Ockert Safe Company of New Haven, Connecticut, in 1901.The skirt (b) is made of the same lavender silk as the bodice; fitted smoothly at the hips and decorated here with a wide band of the lace. The skirt is gored and full at about knee level; a narrowly pleated flounce is attached to give the skirt a fashionable flare. Over the seam is stitched the white lace. The skirt is unlined. Hook and eye closure at center back.
Status
Not on view
Object/Object
