Dress, 1828-1832

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Description:

This dress was worn by Thankful Scott Merritt, wife of Benjamin Merritt. She joined the Society of Friends in 1811, later became a preacher, and was the great-grandmother of the donor. The Merritts were New York Quakers: In Troy from 1813 to 1815; New York City from 1815 to 1830; Troy again by 1834; White Creek from 1842 to 1845; and Staten Island by 1848. Mr. Merritt was first a China merchant and afterwards a dry good merchant.The apron-front dress was very popular from 1828 to 1832. This also shows the emergence of the gigot sleeve; the sleeve and short bodice are early 19th century. The inner bodice would have been convenient for nursing and adaptable for pregnancy. The neckline would have been filled with a kerchief, fichu or chemisette.

Date Issued:

[1828 TO 1832]

Data Provider:

Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford

Collection:

Digital Dress Collection

Place:

New York

Subject Topic:

Dresses, Quakers, Maternity clothes, Aprons, and Women's clothing

Subject Name:

Merritt, Thankful Scott

Format:

clothing

Rights:

Images are copyright The Henry Ford. Web versions may be used for reference purposes only. If you would like a higher quality image please contact the Benson Ford Research Center.

URL:

http://digital.library.wayne.edu/item/wayne:EM02_76_18_1