Girl's Dress, 1880-1885

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.

Vest, 1850-1880

Women's Shoes, about 1875

These are interesting shoes; likely a transitional shoes style popular just after the Civil War. They are machine sewn, but retain the straight soles that fall from favor shortly after the war. These are inexpensive, sturdy women's shoes worn by the ordinary housekeeper.

Bogwood Pendant, about 1865

Bog wood is petrified wood found in Irish bogs, and is generally pine or oak. Jewelry made of bog wood was exhibited at every major exhibition in Great Britain throughout the nineteenth century.Such pieces generally include Celtic or Irish motifs, like the Irish harp or lyre in this piece, or symbols or monuments found at early Christian sites in Ireland. They areparticularly popular with those of Celtic or Irish descent. These pieces are similar to the Scottish pebble jewelry that was popular i…

Bogwood Brooch, about 1865

Bog wood is petrified wood, usually oak or pine, found in Irish bogs. It was carved into trinkets and jewelry in the mid-late nineteenth century.Because of its association with Ireland the jewelry often includes Celtic or early Irish Christian references.Bog wood jewelry was shown at most of the exhibitions of the nineteenth century. This piece is part of a large collection given to the institution by Susan Stark of Lansing, MI.

Girl's Dress, about 1885

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.

Child's Print Silk Twill Petticoat Dress, about 1885

White silk twill dress with printed blue sprigs, attached long-sleeved lace chemisette, and petticoat. High ruffled lace collar and ruffled lace sleeve cuffs. Self-fabric piping. Self-fabric sash around waist; bow-tied in center-back; padded to form slight bustle. Center-back button closures. Glazed cotton lining. Cotton petticoat with lace hem visible below dress hem, which is slit into panels. Machine lace. Machine and hand-sewn; dressmaker made. This is a fashionable princess-line party dress…

Girl's Dress, 1870-1880

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.

Dress, 1880-1882

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.

Boy's Tweed Jacket, 1880-1900

Girl's Dress, about 1870

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.

Child's Jester Costume, 1880-1910

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 cotto…

Girl's Wrap, about 1895

This young lady's wrapper comes from the Scull family of Somerset County, Pennsylvania, and was possibly worn by the daughter or granddaughter of Louise Ogle Scull. It appears to be an informal garment, used first thing in the morning. The train in the back is interesting - perhaps it was for a young woman who was rather short. The sleeves, which have some interesting piecing, indicate a circa 1895 date of manufacture. The vermicular printed fabric pattern is reminiscent of circa-1840 roller pri…

Women's black silk faille dolman from the nineteenth century

This is a woman's black silk faille dolman with braid jet and fringe trim. It has a quilted lining. See matching dress number 48.47.4.

Black silk faille dress from the nineteenth century

This woman's black silk faille dress has satin stripes, braid, jet bead and fringe trim. The skirt attached to the top at the back only. The dress has a double row of black crocheted buttons with tiny jet bead centers down the front of its jacket-like top. There is a deep pleated flounce bustle at the back. See matching dolman number 48.47.1. Worn by Mrs. Calvin Maxfield ( Jane Graham) b. 1844, Hartland, MI. Died 1883, Plymouth, MI. Her husband operated a hotel in Plymouth.

Blue silk taffeta dress from the nineteenth century

This woman's one piece, blue silk taffeta dress has a pattern of tiny blue and white checks. The garment has a fitted bodice that buttons down front, and its buttons are covered by a panel of pleated blue iridescent taffeta. A band of embroidered iridescent blue taffeta, having a peacock-tail design, is edged with maroon around the back-neck, and over the shoulders. The front forms a V-shaped waist that separates toward the hips. The same material and pattern are around the cuffs of the long …

Two piece cotton dress with a black and white print design from the nineteenth century

Woman's two piece cotton dress with a black and white print design of small circles and flowers (white) on a black ground. The long, full skirt has a separate pannier that is attached at the waist back in back. A pleated and gathered overskirt is attached in the front, and on the side. The fitted top has long sleeves, a high neck with a small collar, and a small peplum bustle in the back. It buttons down the front with round black buttons. The top is lined. The shape of the bodice, and size …

Petit-point Handbag

Petit-point handbag with floral motif needlepoint, front and back. Square frame, brass trim, and jewel accents. Metal chain to carry on wrist, mirror and pockets inside bag. Circa 1880-1939.

Wedding Gown: Wedding Dress

Two piece woven ivory silk beaded wedding dress. Top features short sleeves with lace flounces, lace also around neck and down the front. Bodice has ten round buttons down front, each with crocheted covering. Extensive beading on front and side panels of skirt, knife pleats at waist, long train. Handmade lace. Originally work in 1884, altered 1904 and again in 1934. Except for part of the lower part of the skirt train, the dress in good condition. Dress stored with amber necklace wrapped in…

Two Piece Floral Print Dress

Two piece dress consisting of long skirt and long sleeved top. Ecru in color with floral print. Skirt is ecru with floral print panel outer skirt and bustle. Top has floral print panels in front and back, with leg-o-mutton style sleeve in ecru with floral print fabric, lace and ruffles on lower 1/3 of sleeve. High collar with piping, lavender fabric inner ruffle, front pleats with lace, boning, and covered buttons. Wide lace at waist. Circa 1880-1889.