Search Constraints
Search Results
- Date Issued:
- [1825 TO 1875]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Date Issued:
- [1940 TO 1945]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Expensive heavyweight fabric work pants worn over trousers to protect fine clothing from abrasion during riding.The trousers are a very rare survival.
- Date Issued:
- [1780 TO 1830]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Such mourning pieces are popular with the well to do in the eighteenth and early nineteenth century.Most often the scenes were painted on ivory but some card.These scenes are fairly standard; they include symbols associated with sorrow (willows) or flowers associated with remembrance (forget me nots) or everlasting life (yew).Some artists dissolved some of the hair of the deceased and used it in painting the memorial scene.
- Date Issued:
- 1788-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Gored child's frock of red wool twill with black wool braid around neck, sleeves, hem. Round neck with self-piping and white eyelet machine lace; lace repeated on two-piece bishop sleeves. Three gores in front, four in back. Center-back closure has nine buttons (one decorative). Upper half lined with white unglazed cotton; lower half with glazed linen; linings sewn together. Band of white muslin at hem edge. All fabric bias-cut; hand-stitched; seam edges bound closed; magenta thread used. This is a fine gored princess-line dress of exquisite fabric for a young girl or boy, about age three. It does not appear to have been used. Wool braid is exquisitely used to add breadth to the skirt hem and to emulate a necklace.
- Date Issued:
- [1860 TO 1870]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Date Issued:
- [1920 TO 1925]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Date Issued:
- [1845 TO 1850]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Date Issued:
- [1848 TO 1859]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Rather dirty, but still handsome early 19th century (Empire) waistcoat, with typical high stand collar and short straight foreparts.Exquisite hand done backstitching.White on white embroidery popular in this era.Tab at center back might possibly be for hangingon a knob or peg.
- Date Issued:
- [1805 TO 1815]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This dress is notable for its casualness and ease of movement, with the shoulders and sleeves at a natural level. It is also notable for the lower-style dress and the fact that it is made from scraps and can be altered easily. The bodice decoration is reminiscent of 1840's "points."
- Date Issued:
- [1845 TO 1855]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This lightweight bonnet was likely worn seasonally in the spring and summer.
- Date Issued:
- [1860 TO 1869]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- A beautifully constructed, sewn, and finished dress, representing a homemade version of high style. The en tablier trim on the skirt is typical of 1850-55. The bodice and narrow sleeve are 1840s, the collar reminiscent of the 1830's, the skirt trim, ruffles and embroideryof the 1840's.
- Date Issued:
- [1840 TO 1849]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- A nice special occasion dress, worn with a blousewaist. The use of magenta and black together suggests a circa 1870 fabric - a popular aniline dye combination at the time. Also, the zouave-style jacket was popular in 1860s. The red and black silk "shag" trim on the jacket is interesting but is not a great match for rest of the piece. Overall, this girl's outfit has the feel of the bustle and puff style popular in women's dresses of the 1870s.
- Date Issued:
- 1870-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Between 1840 and 1860 hair jewelry was at the peak of production continuing on with watch chains up until the end of the nineteenth century.Hair jewelry or sentimental jewelry was valued by people not only for the intricate detail of the weave, but also because it included hair of a loved one dead or alive.This particular piece is in fine condition; however, many pieces of hair jewelry, given its delicate nature, do not survive over the course of time.
- Date Issued:
- [1835 TO 1885]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- A rare survival of a winter or fall waistcoat used for hunting or sporting underneath a jacket.It seems likely the bright red color was akin to the orange vest used by hunters today.An expensive piece and few have survived.
- Date Issued:
- [1785 TO 1795]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Date Issued:
- [1825 TO 1875]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- The Freemasons are the world's largest fraternal organization.What is known as modern Freemasons began in 1717 in England; however, the history of the legend of the Freemasons dates far back to biblical times with the building of King Solomon's temple and written evidence of the Freemasons appears in the fourteenth century.A secret society, there is no known founder of this fraternal organization.The Freemason organization is not a religious group, but rather a group based on many religious and moral ideas.
- Date Issued:
- 1806-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This dress is notable as a homemade attempt at fashion: the colors are typical of the period, but the styling a bit naive. The piecing of the lining material is quite resourceful. The length indicates that it would have been used by a girl.
- Date Issued:
- [1870 TO 1880]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Date Issued:
- [1905 TO 1910]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This is a nice dress for a young girl, perfect for school wear; it has the "pouch" that was popular in the early 20th Century. It is quite worn, well-used and well-washed.
- Date Issued:
- [1900 TO 1915]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This style of hat is referred to as a Sou'wester. This name was originally given to hats worn by sailors at sea to protect them from rain and the stormy sea. It is characterized by a waterproof material and a brim that widens at the back to protect the neck. The shape was eventually adopted and used in fashionable women's wear, such as this example. The bright color, flowers, and straw indicate that this hat was likely worn seasonally in the spring and summer.
- Date Issued:
- [1956 TO 1965]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Date Issued:
- [1780 TO 1795]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This is an excellent example of an 1840's drawn bonnet, which was likely worn for formal afternoon events.
- Date Issued:
- [1840 TO 1849]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- The quilting of this bonnet indicates that it was likely worn seasonally in the autumn and winter.
- Date Issued:
- [1820 TO 1850]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This is a fairly inexpensive and rather short ready-to-wear dress for a young girl. It is surely a summer or spring dress - light in color and easily washable. Dresses of this type were often advertised in clothing catalogs of the mid-1880s.
- Date Issued:
- [1880 TO 1890]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- According to our records, the suit belonged to Henry Ford.Born in 1863 on a farm in what is now Dearborn, Michigan, Henry Ford parlayed a youthful aptitude for engineering into a career as an automotive innovator and founder/president of Ford Motor Company. Among his ideas were the introduction of the first moving automobile assembly line, affordable pricing, fair wages for employees, and the vertical integration of manufacturing processes from raw materials to the finished product. His many philanthropic accomplishments included the establishment (with his wife, Clara) of a nationally ranked hospital, the founding (with his son, Edsel) of the Ford Foundation, and the creation of The Henry Ford, an indoor/outdoor museum complex celebrating American ingenuity.
- Date Issued:
- [1920 TO 1940]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- The pants were purportedly worn by an individual in a Shaker community.
- Date Issued:
- [1830 TO 1870]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- It is particularly interesting that this medal was presented to a young lady.We do not know about Rev. Carll's Academy, however, it is plausible that it was a female academy.Female academies were established after the American Revolution, particularly in the early nineteenth century, for training future wives and mothers for rearing literate citizens of the New Republic.These schools included traditional subjects such as religion (note that this is Rev. Carll's Academy and surely emphasized religion), history, some arithmetic and reading. Most also included instruction in some kinds of women's domestic crafts such as needlework, sewing, darning, etc. as domesticity was an essential skill as well.There is an Eleanor Potts listed in census records born about 1812 in Pennsylvania; this medal was purchased in Pennsylvania and this may be the original owner of the medal.Research pending.
- Date Issued:
- 1829-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- The Freemasons are the world's largest fraternal organization.What is known as modern Freemasons began in 1717 in England; however, the history of the legend of the Freemasons dates far back to biblical times with the building of King Solomon's temple and written evidence of the Freemasons appears in the fourteenth century.A secret society, there is no known founder of this fraternal organization.The Freemason organization is not a religious group, but rather a group based on many religious and moral ideas.
- Date Issued:
- [1775 TO 1850]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- White cotton dress roll-printed with with tiny red flower sprig pattern. Long bishop-style sleeves gauged at top. High waist with gathered skirt. Piped seams throughout. Appears to have been constructed from another garment: bodice pieced idiosyncratically, print oriented in different directions, and wear patterns inconsistent. Old stitches and folds visible on inside, indicating old tuck or fold had been let out in order to reuse fabric. Wire hooks and eyes on sleeves not hammered flat. Hand-sewn. This is a fashionable girl's dress that mimics a mother's dress style. With its low shoulder, it does not permit much movement. It is also notable for its reuse of an early roller-print fabric from another garment. That the hooks and eyes on the sleeves are not hammered flat is unusual.
- Date Issued:
- [1845 TO 1938]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- A fine early (Empire) 19th century men's jacket, likely worn with tight fitting pantaloons.
- Date Issued:
- [1800 TO 1825]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This shape of bonnet is referred to as a "Poke" bonnet. Poke bonnets were popular in the late 18th to mid 19th century and are characterized by a flat crown and deep, projecting brim which frames the face and extends only around the front of the hat.
- Date Issued:
- [1848 TO 1855]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- The Freemasons are the world's largest fraternal organization.What is known as modern Freemasons began in 1717 in England; however, the history of the legend of the Freemasons dates far back to biblical times with the building of King Solomon's temple and written evidence of the Freemasons appears in the fourteenth century.A secret society, there is no known founder of this fraternal organization.The Freemason organization is not a religious group, but rather a group based on many religious and moral ideas.
- Date Issued:
- 1803-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Straw bonnets such as this were worn seasonally in the spring and summer.
- Date Issued:
- [1855 TO 1865]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Blue dress of fine wool twill. Square, gathered neckline. Gathered cap sleeves. Gathered and pleated bodice lined with cotton. Applied waistband. Box-pleated skirt. Hand-embroidered flowered vine motif around sleeves, waist, hem. Sleeve edging embroidered in the pieceand cut from cloth. Center-back closures of hammered wire hooks and threaded eyes. Hand-sewn. Appears to have been altered to fit fuller torso: bodice lining shows stitching removed to let out pleats, skirt changed from gathering to box pleating. This is a boy's or girl's dress of beautiful fine wool twill, probably used for parties and other special occasions. An example of fine hand-sewing, with an exquisitely sewn hem.
- Date Issued:
- [1840 TO 1850]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Date Issued:
- [1880 TO 1900]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- The shorts were found in the collection with the jacket and are presumed to be related. One wonders if the terriers were inspired by President Franklin Roosevelt's "Falla" - a dog that was beloved by Americans.
- Date Issued:
- [1830 TO 1840]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This ring might be considered an interesting transitional mourning ring.Earlier mourning rings were generally set with sepia scenes under glass and set into the gold band.Later mourning and memorial rings, from the 1830s on, often included locks of hair and onyx, pearls or enamel; some were plaited entirely of human hair.This ring is plain and simple, not unlike other decorative accessories of this classical revival period, and does not include the earlier sepia scenes but is more akin to rings of later in the century.
- Date Issued:
- 1807-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Nice example of warm weather waistcoat.Appears to be two parallel rows of top-stitching on lapel and foreparts.Waistcoast hand sewn except center back seam.Seams with buttons on posts or links.
- Date Issued:
- [1865 TO 1875]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Date Issued:
- [1955 TO 1957]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This dress reflects the eighteenth century revival look of a pastoral shepherdess. Chambray was not unusual but the seersucker trim was unusual as a trim detail.
- Date Issued:
- [1880 TO 1882]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Muslin dress printed with red, tan and yellow flower sprig motif. Pieced, lined bodice with round neckline and channels for bones at center front. Lawn-lined bishop sleeves. Gauging at top of shoulder, top of sleeves, and center front. Hammered wire hooks and eyes on sleeves; center-back hook and eye closures. Pleated skirt with many repaired holes. Hand-sewn. This is an early and very fashionable dress with a very high waist - mother's styling in a child's dress, including channels for bones to shape a young girl's body. The dress is restrictive, and the arms difficult to move - it was probably reserved for formal occasions. The bodice is pieced together in interesting ways. The sleeves are unlikely to have come before 1835, and the fabric, bodice, and skirt pleats look to be from the 1830s to early 1840s.
- Date Issued:
- [1835 TO 1845]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- These shoes, sometimes called slippers, were used in the Victorian period for wear with a matching dress. Shoes like these were often laced on to the lower leg, sometimes elastic held them on. They wore poorly and quickly became damp and soiled.
- Date Issued:
- [1835 TO 1845]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This dress appears to have been remade in order to incorporate late 1860s fashion. The sleeves suggest the 1860s; the skirt appears to have been remade, and pleated instead of gauged. The dress is pieced to make up the yardage, but in a very deliberate mirror image on each side to make it less noticeable.
- Date Issued:
- [1855 TO 1865]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Between 1740 and 1800 dresses had open front skirts or they were looped up the sides to reveal the petticoat.Quilted petticoats were usually decorated along the hemline.Not only were these used for decoration, but for warmth as well.Later into the nineteenth century a quilted petticoat was primarily used for warmth.
- Date Issued:
- [1775 TO 1825]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- The form of the waistcoat appears to be late 18th century, but some of the other features are early 19th century.Very coarse linen cotton lining and back fabric.Embroidered in the piece. This waistcoat is slightly padded all along the front panel.The waistcoat was used for winter wear.
- Date Issued:
- [1775 TO 1820]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- It is unknown whether this was used in Britain or the Colonies.Mourning rings are difficult to find and this early piece makes this even more rare.If it was used in this country it was likely made elsewhere but imported to the New World.Lapis is a much prized stone because it is often associated with the Virgin Mary, as her robe was often cobalt or lapis blue.
- Date Issued:
- 1716-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- By the late 1850s, baseball became an increasingly formal sport with urban teams sporting their own uniforms.The predominant style shirt of the late 1850s into the 1870s was a bib front.Typical as well, is an abbreviation of the club name on the bib.The maker of this top applied the letters "A B B C." The letter "A" signifies the club name, and it may reflect a specific town such as Akron or the club name such as "Atlantic."The letters "B B C" represent the term "base ball club," and was also typical of many late 1860s-1870s uniforms.This wool uniform shirt appears completely unused; no perspiration stains or other indications of use.
- Date Issued:
- [1865 TO 1875]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This style toe was popular in the very late 18th - early 19th century. While these are called slippers, they were actually fairly fashionable shoes. The heel on this pair is very fashionable. The handwork suggests that these were custom made.
- Date Issued:
- [1790 TO 1805]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Coral and bells were rattles, whistles and teethers for fairly well to do babies in the eighteenth and early nineteenth century. It is also plausible that some were used in the country in the seventeenth century as they are depicted in European paintings from that era.Silversmiths produced these for purchase in gold and more commonly in silver. The coral could be replaced if it was broken or got too gummy.The coral is an essential part of this piece.It is smooth and cool for teething . Coral was believed to be a good luck charm for newborns. Many babies were, and in Italy still are, given reddish orange coral necklaces or trinkets upon their birth as the color is said to reflect the cheeks of a healthy baby.
- Date Issued:
- [1750 TO 1825]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Date Issued:
- [1810 TO 1820]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Pink silk taffeta dress with flowers embroidered in silk on yoke, sleeve cuffs and skirt. High neck, with ruffled lace forming stand collar. Long set-in sleeves with turnover cuffs. Yoke and drop waist with rather crude hand smocking. Short pleated skirt. Center-back opening with four mother-of-pearl buttons. Machine-sewn, but gathering on bodice is done by large hand-stitching. Some top-stitching executed in machine stitches of chain-stitch with silk thread; interior seams of cotton thread in lock-stitch. Barely visible embroidery pattern stamped in blue on pink silk. This is a nice example of a turn-of-the-century young girl's Mother Hubbard-style party dress. Yoke fronts, low waists, and silk art embroidery were popular during the era, and the front bosom is reminiscent of the pigeon breast look that would have been popular in mother's bodices circa 1900. The dress would have been rather short on a young girl. A barely visible embroidery pattern is stamped in blue on the pink silk, perhaps from a mass-produced pattern.
- Date Issued:
- [1900 TO 1910]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- There is no date on this piece, but the classical urn and the straight uncomplicated dress of the mourner make it appear to be late eighteenth century.This is a very simple, almost crudely rendered scene.
- Date Issued:
- 1790-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- The dress was probably originally two pieces: a bodice and skirt. The basques of the bodice are now on the inside. The skirt was removed from the waistband, cut down and applied to the bodice, and green silk trimmings added.
- Date Issued:
- [1850 TO 1855]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This type of dress was very popular for railroad travel after the Civil War, and was probably worn in the summertime. One wonders if it functioned as a duster; however, it appears to be fairly close-fitting.
- Date Issued:
- [1870 TO 1880]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Date Issued:
- [1854 TO 1856]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- These inexpensive bracelets were popular in the late 19th century. Sold in pairs, they were likely worn one on each wrist.The large decorative plaque is vaguely Etruscan revival. There are some other historical revival aspects to these bracelets as well, notably the knife edge work which was used in some Greek and Roman revival jewelry.The pearls appear to be genuine although the rest is plated.
- Date Issued:
- [1860 TO 1910]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This dress has 1840s lines, but 1850's sleeves. It is a classic, inexpensive, middle class silk dress.
- Date Issued:
- [1849 TO 1852]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Date Issued:
- [1815 TO 1820]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- The detachable sleeves on this dress make for a multi-purpose bodice. The back pleating is unusual and is more common in work and plain dresses, but adds ease. The back opening and narrow sleeves are suggestive of the 1840s. This was probably the better dress of a woman who usually wore cotton.
- Date Issued:
- [1840 TO 1845]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Exquisite frock coat from about the time of the American Revolution.Silk imported from England.Styling typical of the 1770s, great curved foreparts and heavy cuffed sleeves.Pink brocade and pink taffeta reminds us of the colorful dress of males in the 18th century. The chain stitching (ca. 1860) and newer fabrics indicate that repairs to the coat are later 19th century. The coat was probably used as theater costume in the 19th and 20th centuries.
- Date Issued:
- [1770 TO 1780]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- An interesting, inexpensive fabric. The sleeve is a little modified from its work dress origins. This was probably the best dress of a lower middle class woman.
- Date Issued:
- [1850 TO 1855]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Coral and bells was the common name for a baby rattle and teether-the bells made noise as the baby sucked on the coral and blew through the whistle.Coral was a cool, hard substance that felt good against teething gums; silversmiths kept a stock of gold and silver findings as well as coral to replace parts that were damaged.Many were made of silver and coral, probably fewer made in gold.Engraved initials indicate this may well have been a baby gift and those are the baby's initals.
- Date Issued:
- [1735 TO 1770]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Date Issued:
- [1920 TO 1923]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Red wool dress with wide shoulders, cap sleeves. Silk-lined Basque bodice with tucked front. Unlined flat-pleated skirt with tuck. Purple silk applique. Piping at waist and sleeve seams. Center-back hook and threaded-eye closure. Expertly hand-sewn; small stitches. This dress is notable for its exquisite workmanship, high styling for a children's garment, and unisex quality. It was probably for a boy, and probably worn with drawers and undersleeves. The bodice tucks and shoulder/sleeve construction suggest the 1850s. However, flat-pleated skirts often appeared earlier, and Basque children's dresses appeared as late as the 1870s.
- Date Issued:
- [1825 TO 1875]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- It is difficult to read the inscription on the monument but it appears to be Halston while some say it is Balstun.These mourning lockets and other mourning pieces are particularly popular from 1750-1820.These memorialized the deceased and generally included a lock of their hair. This piece also seems to include the hair of a living family member as well.Sometimes the hair of the dead was dissolved and used to help paint the memorial scene.This image includes weeping willow trees, which were often associated with mourning, and the angel who signifies everlasting life.These sepia images were most often painted on ivory disks, but if that was too expensive for the family images were painted on thick parchment card instead.
- Date Issued:
- 1795-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1897 Elizabeth Parke married Harvey S. Firestone Jr., son of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, in 1921.Once described by a friend as, "the most luxurious woman in the history of luxury," Elizabeth Parke Firestone's clothing collection illustrates her impeccable taste in fashion.
- Date Issued:
- 1950-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This outfit could have been made for use by either sex, but was probably made for a boy due to the shortness of the skirt (with knickers probably visible underneath). The printed wool is very fine. The flat-pleating all around suggests an 1850s date. A fashionable dress for warm weather.
- Date Issued:
- [1850 TO 1860]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- These shoes are delicate with very thin soles and tight fitting.The idea that woman who could wear such shoes were symbols of high social economy.Men ruled the outdoors, and by the grace of their husbands, women ruled the indoors.Constricting shoes helped to keep woman inside and dependant on their husbands.[Source:Rexford, Nancy E.Women's Shoes in America 1795-1930.Kent, Ohio:Kent State University Press, 2000.]
- Date Issued:
- [1835 TO 1845]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- The lack of elastic (except for securing buttons), padding or complicated construction suggests it dates to the early 1930s."Uplift" bandeau brassieres featured throughout the decade.
- Date Issued:
- [1926 TO 1929]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- During the 1850s, popular women's hairstyles were exaggerated at the front, puffed out at the sides, with hair pulled back low on the neck; and hat shapes changed to accommodate this. This is an example of such a hat. It is smaller and the crown does not extend as far out as hats popular in the previous decade. It does however, have a bavolet- the flap of fabric at the base of the crown which covers the nape of the neck- which also began to disappear around this time.
- Date Issued:
- [1848 TO 1857]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- A very fashionable warm weather coat for a man, perhaps even a"dandy."The thin and barely lined, large pockets on interior skirt were very popular circa 1800.The coat is a rare survival.
- Date Issued:
- [1790 TO 1810]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- These shoes, commonly called slippers in this period, were likely made to match a specific outfit. They may have been made to match a wedding gown. Flimsy fabric shoes such as this were very popular, but provided no support and quickly were soiled and damaged. They were purely decorative and worn by women who were expected to stay primarily indoors and not required to do any work.
- Date Issued:
- [1850 TO 1870]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- The high waist, flat-pleating and wide neck on this dress indicate a very early 1840s date of construction. It is an example of girl's "good" clothing parallel to adult women's styles and not necessarily accommodating a child's body and needs. In particular, the wide neck would have been chilly and difficult to keep straight, and the high waist would have been less comfortable for movement. Similarly, the very thin fabric would not have been practical for a young girl.
- Date Issued:
- [1835 TO 1845]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Date Issued:
- [1850 TO 1856]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Simplicity, rich material, and subdued color indicate that this redingote and pelerine might be of Quaker origin. The narrow sleeves, long waist and darts are typical of the 1840s, while the pelerine is reminiscent of the 1830s.
- Date Issued:
- [1840 TO 1845]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- The faceting on the beads, mark 14 and configuration of the clasp suggest an early mid twentieth century date of manufacturer.The mark 14 allows us to assume the metal is 14 karat gold.
- Date Issued:
- [1775 TO 1825]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Date Issued:
- [1840 TO 1848]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Date Issued:
- [1923 TO 1927]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This dress is believed to have belonged to Elvira Hill, a Shaker. It would have been worn with a tucker, fichu, chemisette, or modesty scarf of some type at the neckline.
- Date Issued:
- [1835 TO 1860]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Straight, low-waisted, heavily knife-pleated girl's silhouette dresses were very common in the early 1880's; men's suit fashions were also often reflected in women's clothing of the period.
- Date Issued:
- [1880 TO 1885]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Date Issued:
- [1897 TO 1900]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- According to the source, the dress fabric was originally made and embroidered around 1785, and made over in the early 19th century.
- Date Issued:
- [1825 TO 1829]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- The quilting of this bonnet tells us that it was likely worn seasonally in the fall and winter.
- Date Issued:
- [1840 TO 1849]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This shape of bonnet is referred to as a "Poke" bonnet. Poke bonnets were popular in the late 18th to mid 19th century and are characterized by a flat crown and deep, projecting brim which frames the face and extends just around the front of the hat. The velvet material and dark color indicate that this hat was worn seasonally in the autumn and winter.
- Date Issued:
- [1840 TO 1847]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Date Issued:
- [1825 TO 1875]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Straw bonnets such as this were day wear in spring and summer.
- Date Issued:
- [1865 TO 1890]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Multi-piece jester costume of pink and light blue satin, trimmed with lace, bells, sequin, metallic beads. Includes jacket, knickers, cap, sash, and playing card plaques with spade and diamond appliques. Cap secures to head with elastic. Collar, sleeves, waist and jacket and knicker hems finished in triangular points with bell hanging from each point. Lace trim at neck, shoulders, sleeve ends, and knicker hems. Jacket has two patch pockets, hammered wire hook-and-eye closures, white glazed cotton lining. Knickers have tabs and buttonholes at waist but no closures. Knickers and cap lined with white and red cotton. Machine stitching, hand-finished seams. An exquisitely constructed boy's jester masquerade costume used for upper class parties. Includes a matching cap and a strange sash of folded fabric - it is unknown whether this was held in the hand or attached to the shoulder (there is no indication of use or evidence of pinning). It is also unclear how the knickers close - perhaps the tabs accomodated a string or rope belt, or a blouse was buttoned to them and held them up.
- Date Issued:
- [1880 TO 1910]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- White cotton dress with wide, collar-less neck and slightly belled sleeves. Bodice and skirt gathered; tight gauging along center-front and center-back waist. Empty whalebone casing at center-front. Self-fabric piping at neck, waist and sleeves. White embroidery at hem; hem and cuffs finished with irregular scalloping and crochet trim. Two tucks on skirt. Bodice lined with plain-weave cotton; sleeves and skirt unlined. Bodice open at center-back; hammered-wire hook and eye closures. Hand-sewn. This young girl's dress was for parties and other special occasions, and was probably worn during the summer. The styling mimics adult women's fashions of the time. The sewing and gauging is exquisite.
- Date Issued:
- [1840 TO 1850]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This is an interesting use of cotton chambray and tow cloth. A typically comfortable, casual dress for a girl around the turn of the century. Basting remains visible on the front of the dress.
- Date Issued:
- [1890 TO 1900]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- Hats made of straw, such as this example, were used seasonally as day wear in the spring and summer.
- Date Issued:
- [1875 TO 1885]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Date Issued:
- [1857 TO 1859]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This fancy silk bonnet was likely worn for formal afternoon occasions.
- Date Issued:
- [1845 TO 1855]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- This is a typical young girl's dress from the early 1880's, when light chambray was a very popular fabic choice for summer wear.
- Date Issued:
- 1885-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Date Issued:
- [1848 TO 1855]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- The full sleeves, boat neckline, and short waist of this dress suggest a date of around 1830; the silk is expensive.
- Date Issued:
- [1828 TO 1832]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Date Issued:
- [1775 TO 1825]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Date Issued:
- [1850 TO 1880]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- The simple bodice indicates that this dress was worn with a lace bertha and sleeve ruffles. The bust improvers, bodice construction and skirt are typical of the period. The dress was possibly remade from an earlier 1830s silk.
- Date Issued:
- [1845 TO 1847]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection