1865
Dress
Dress of small plaid in purple, black and white, possibly a linen/worsted blend. Bodice and skirt attached. Watteau feeling in the pleats around waist with considerable fullness at center back making a slight train. Pocket in side seam and tiny pocket in waistband. Dress lined throughout although material itself is wirey. Waist fitted with front closing having buttons with brass base and purple top. Dropped shoulder seam, with cording at seam line, 2 pc sleeves full-length, full elbow and fitted a the wrist. . Collar, 1" standing band. Very good condition: few holes.
This sturdy wool dress would have been appropriate for a woman in the workplace during the Civil War era. The wool has a weight and texture that offers warmth during the cold New England winter. Large windows were necessary to let the light in, but drafty when it was cold out. This would be a typical dress for a schoolteacher, or a supervisor at a factory. Many women were doing piecework at factories throughout the Civil War period. Piecework means that the person is paid by the piece for their work and often women were paid very poorly. If the quality was not to the right standard, the work could be rejected and the worker would receive no pay. It was good for the manufacturers because it meant the quality was routinely excellent.
Provenance:
Wadsworth Atheneum Hartford, CT.
Construction Label:
Handmade
1951C 1865.23
Dress of small plaid in purple, black and white, possibly a linen/worsted blend. Bodice and skirt attached. Watteau feeling in the pleats around waist with considerable fullness at center back making a slight train. Pocket in side seam and tiny pocket in waistband. Dress lined throughout although material itself is wirey. Waist fitted with front closing having buttons with brass base and purple top. Dropped shoulder seam, with cording at seam line, 2 pc sleeves full-length, full elbow and fitted a the wrist. . Collar, 1" standing band. Very good condition: few holes.
This sturdy wool dress would have been appropriate for a woman in the workplace during the Civil War era. The wool has a weight and texture that offers warmth during the cold New England winter. Large windows were necessary to let the light in, but drafty when it was cold out. This would be a typical dress for a schoolteacher, or a supervisor at a factory. Many women were doing piecework at factories throughout the Civil War period. Piecework means that the person is paid by the piece for their work and often women were paid very poorly. If the quality was not to the right standard, the work could be rejected and the worker would receive no pay. It was good for the manufacturers because it meant the quality was routinely excellent.
Provenance:
Wadsworth Atheneum Hartford, CT.
Construction Label:
Handmade
1951C 1865.23