Images(2)

Girl's Dress

Original OwnerOriginally owned by Maria Brown American, 1838 - 1857

Date1854

MediumHand-stitched cotton, with metal hooks and eyes

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width across shoulders): 58 1/2 x 13in. (148.6 x 33cm)
Hem (circumference): 118in. (299.7cm)

ClassificationsCostume

Credit LineGift of Harriet L. Clark

DescriptionGirl's cotton day dress of light-weight cotton, printed with white flowers on a pink background. The dress has a center front opening, with the fashion fabric of the bodice gathered into a slight dip at the waistline at center front. The lining of the bodice is white twill-woven cotton, and it is fitted with darts, which would have been boned. The lining closes with metal hooks and eyes. The neckline is high and round, with a 1 1/8-inch, upright band collar. The sleeves are about three-quarter-length and end with a flounce of self-fabric. Separate, decorative points of self-fabric trimmed with white cotton braid are set into the armscye, over the top of the sleeves. The skirt is cartridge-pleated to a narrow, white cotton waistband, which is currently stitched to the outside of the bodice. It would have been stitched originally to the inside of the bodice. The skirt is finished with a four-inch hem.

Object number1985.43.10

NotesHistorical Note: This dress was made in 1854. It was worn by Maria Brown, who died in 1857 at the age of 19.

Subject Terms