Girl's Dress
Original OwnerProbably originally owned by
Mary Marilla Leggett
(American, 1853 - 1914)
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1850-1860
MediumHand-stitched cotton, with thread-covered bone (probably) buttons and hand embroidery
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width across top): 23 x 16in. (58.4 x 40.6cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Polly Stone Buck
Object number1980.61.2
DescriptionYoung girl's dress of plain white cotton, with a wide, slightly square neckline controlled by a drawstring and edged with finely scalloped whitework embroidery. The bodice is gathered into the neckline and into the waistline across the front and back; the sides are smooth. The short sleeves are edged with the scalloped whitework and are decorated with a 7/8-inch-wide tuck around the center. The full skirt is gathered into the one-inch-wide waistband. It is decorated with a 1 1/2-inch-wide insertion of whitework embroidery, flanked by faggoting. The bottom is edged with 1 1/2-inch-deep scalloped whitework and headed by faggoting. The center back opening extends thirteen inches and fastens with two thread-covered buttons at the waistband, four buttons on the bodice, and a drawstring at the neckline.
NotesHistorical Note: According to the donor, Laura Leggett Seymour (b. 1873) wore this dress in Europe and in Washington D.C. She believes that Laura's father, Henry Albert Seymour, Jr., worked in the State Department. However, the date of this dress indicates that is was more likely worn by Laura's mother, Mary Marilla Leggett Seymour (1853-1914).Status
Not on view
