Graduation Dress
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Ellie Munger Lines
American, born 1871
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Date1886-1888
MediumMachine-stitched and hand-stitched cotton, with thread-covered bone buttons and a brass hook and eye
DimensionsBodice (center back length x width between shoulders): 23 1/4 x 12in. (59.1 x 30.5cm)
Skirt (center back length x hem circumference): 39 1/2 x 140 1/4in. (100.3 x 356.2cm)
Skirt (center back length x hem circumference): 39 1/2 x 140 1/4in. (100.3 x 356.2cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Frank M. Chapin
DescriptionWoman's graduation dress, consisting of a bodice (.a) and skirt (.b), made of machine-embroidered white cotton. The embroidery pattern, worked in white, is an overall pattern of a bouquet of three flowers with tassel-like drops hanging from each flower. The bodice has a high, round neckline with a 1 7/8-inch-high standing band collar of self-fabric with a scalloped edge around the top. The collar is lined with a separate, fine, white cotton band collar. The long, tight sleeves are constructed of three pattern pieces, with the underarm piece being made of plain, unembroidered cotton. The sleeves end in turned-back cuffs of self-fabric with scalloped edges. The center front opening fastens with thirteen thread-covered buttons. The bodice is fitted with one 9 1/2-inch-long dart on each side of the front opening, while the back is constructed with a center back, four side back, and two side seams to achieve a close fit. The back panels are actually cut as one piece; the seams open up below the waistline, allowing the fabric to fan out in pleats. The fabric is pleated horizontally into the outer side back seams, near the bottom, to create extra fullness over a bustle. The bottom edge of the bodice is scalloped. The bodice is not lined.
The embroidery of the skirt fabric begins thirteen inches below the waistband. The skirt is only slightly gathered across the front and is closely gathered across the back. The opening is to the left of the center back; it extends about 10 1/2 inches and fastens with a hook and eye at the waistband. The bottom edge of the skirt is scalloped. There is no lining.
Some extra fabric came with this dress, suggesting that it was homemade.
The embroidery of the skirt fabric begins thirteen inches below the waistband. The skirt is only slightly gathered across the front and is closely gathered across the back. The opening is to the left of the center back; it extends about 10 1/2 inches and fastens with a hook and eye at the waistband. The bottom edge of the skirt is scalloped. There is no lining.
Some extra fabric came with this dress, suggesting that it was homemade.
Object number1953.19.4a, b
NotesHistorical Notes: According to a tag accompanying this dress, it was worn by Ellie Munger Lines (b. 1871) at her graduation from Hartford Public High School in 1886.Subject Terms
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