Images(2)

Maternity Dress

Dateabout 1880-1890

MediumMachine-stitched cotton, with silk tapes and mother of pearl buttons

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (center front length x width across shoulders): 47 1/2 x 16 1/2in. (120.7 x 41.9cm)
Hem (circumference): 121in. (307.3cm)

ClassificationsCostume

Credit LineGift of Kristen Comstock

DescriptionWoman's work or maternity dress, called a "Mother Hubbard," made of red and white woven plaid cotton. The dress is constructed with the front and back panels gathered into a yoke. The neckline is high and round and is surrounded with a gathered ruff (4 1/2 inches wide) of the same fabric. The center back opening is 21 1/2 inches long and fastens with four mother of pearl buttons, and with a silk drawstring inserted in a casing of the same silk tape around the neckline. The sleeves are cut full and are gathered slightly into the shoulder, and into a buttoned cuff at the wrist. There are two patch pockets on the front of the dress. A self-fabric belt is stitched to the side seams and would tie in the back to control the fullness of the dress, leaving the front of the dress loose, possibly to accommodate a pregnancy. A 2 5/8-inches-wide tuck is taken around the bottom of the skirt, and the hem is two inches deep.

Object number1990.55.4

NotesHistorical Note: Deercliff Manor in West Hartford, Connecticut, belonged to Richard S. Ely, who left it to his daughter, Maude D. Ely. She married John Gibbons, a superintendent of Annapolis. It is believed that they never had any children. Maude D. E. Gibbons left the house to her first cousin, Graham Jones, Sr, for live use. His son, Graham Jones, Jr. sold it to Arnold Chase and Richard Gordon.

Subject Terms