Infant's Dress

Clothing MakerMade by Melancy Williams American, 1777 - 1864

Original OwnerOriginally owned by Grace Goodrich Markham American

Date1864

MediumHand-stitched cotton

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width across bottom): 32 x 25 3/4in. (81.3 x 65.4cm)

ClassificationsCostume

Credit LineGift of Beverly Dobbin

DescriptionInfant's dress of white cotton, with a wide, square neckline controlled by a drawstring. The neckline is edged with fine vandyking. The high-waisted bodice is ornamented with bretelles extending from the lower center front, over the shoulders and to the center back neckline. The bretelles are cut in deep points over the short, puffed sleeves. Embroidered in the bodice center front is a floral design with net centers ("Ayrshire" work), set off by the V-shape of the bretelles. The waist is circumscribed by a band of whitework embroidery. The skirt is closely gathered into this waistband. The bottom of the skirt is embroidered for a depth of two inches with stylized flowers inset with netting, over a scalloped edge. The embroidery is very fine and appears to be hand-worked. The center back opening extends 8 3/4 inches (it has been torn slightly beyond this) and fastens with the drawstring at the neck. Originally, a colored silk ribbon was probably inserted in the waistband to act also as a drawstring.

Object number1986.43.2

NotesHistorical Note: Melancy Williams (about 1777-1864) made this dress, including the lace and embroidery, for her great granddaughter, Grace Goodrich Markham. In March 1864, she was going to travel from Boston to Hartford to see her great granddaughter, but she died on the morning of her journey, while saying grace before breakfast.

Subject Terms