Infant's Dress
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Francis Newman Holley
American, born 1807
Clothing MakerMade by
Sally Stiles
American, 1786 - 1854
Date1807-1820
MediumHand-stitched cotton
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width): 26 3/4 x 11 1/4in. (67.9 x 28.6cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Elsie M. Miles
DescriptionInfant's dress of white cotton, with a square neckline controlled by a drawstring. The dress is open down the length of the center back. It fastens with drawstrings at the neck and waistline. The short, straight sleeves are slightly gathered at the shoulder. They are decorated with a band of whitework embroidery and loops worked with buttonhole stitches around the opening. In front, the dress is smooth. The skirt is stitched flat to the band of whitework embroidery which defines the waistband, which is high. In back, the bodice and skirt are gathered into the waistband. The bottom of the skirt is embroidered in white cotton thread with a looping ribbon-like design and leaves. A Greek key design is worked in French knots around the hem edge.
Object number1968.33.6
NotesHistorical Note: Sally Stiles married Newman Holley on 17 November 1805. She made this baby dress for her first child, Francis Newman Holley, born 13 May 1807.Subject Terms
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