WEDDING DRESS

Creator(s): Unknown

Currently in storage

About this object

Mrs. Post's mother, Ella Letitia Merriweather (American, 1853-1912) wore this dress for her marriage to C.W. (Charles William) Post (American, 1854-1913) on November 16, 1874.

Mrs. Post's mother, Ella Letitia Merriweather (American, 1853-1912) wore this two-piece dress of gray silk taffeta for her marriage to C.W. (Charles William) Post (American, 1854-1913) on November 16, 1874. The spoon-front bodice closes at center front with detailed ruching on both sides and around the center back at the neckline. The ruching is repeated on the sleeves, which end in double flat cuffed bands and knife pleating at the hem. The knife pleating is repeated as an inset around the neckline (this decoration may have been taken from another part of the garment). The dress was manufactured with machine button holes and has wooden buttons that are covered in gray satin with embroidered five-point flowers. The bustle skirt is typical for this period. It features a flat front with fullness that begins at the side hip and increases in volume at the center back. Ruching is repeated on the skirt in three bands with attached ruffles hemmed in a double upward turn pleat typical of mid-1870s garments. The interior of the bodice and skirt is contructed in a flat lined method with oil or seal cloth and a large muslin fabric for stabilizing and maintaining the fullness of the skirt. A corded edge at the bottom also helps maintain the skirt's fullness. The garment was originally designed to close at center front close to neck, but alterations were made (probably by the original wearer) to reveal a much lower neckline.

Object name:

WEDDING DRESS

Made from:

Silk taffeta

Made in:

USA

Date made:

1874

Size:

H. 14 1/2 in. (shoulder to waist front); H. 14 in. (shoulder to waist back); H. 40 in. (waist to hem front); H. 55 in. (waist to hem back); Dia. 22 in. (waist circumference)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:

48.3.1-2

Signature marks:

Credit line:

Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973