Bonnet, about 1870

Straw bonnets such as this were day wear in spring and summer.

Pendant, about 1890-1915

Originating in France and achieving its highest point of popularity between 1892-1902, the Art Nouveau movement was showcased at the Paris Exposition in 1900.Art Nouveau emphasized craftsmanship rather than mass production and put more importance on design rather than material.The main characteristic of an Art Nouveau piece is a dynamic, undulating, and flowing curved whiplash line of syncopated rhythm.

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.

Bonnet, about 1895

Masonic Pin with Case, 1865

Research indicates that this Masonic piece represents the Royal Arch Masons.Characteristics include the keystone shape and jewel decorations.In 1855, Fowle was Master of Mt. Tabor Lodge, East Boston, Massachusetts.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 Freema…

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…

Child's Smock, 1870-1890

According to the source of purchase, this simple but stylish young girl's dress belonged to a family in Yonkers, New York. It is c. 1880, but entirely handsewn. In particular, the ruffles at the neck are beautifully done.

Girl's Plaid cotton Smock or Apron, 1870-1890

Blue and white plaid cotton smock/apron. Simple one-piece construction with very large armholes and sleeves to fit over other clothing. Broad, rounded, Buster Brown-style collar. Three-button closure at upper back and buttoned self-fabric half-belt across lower back; back otherwise open. Sleeves and upper back gathered at yoke. Many stained and bleached areas on front. Machine stitched. According to the source of purchase, this young girl's smock belonged to the Linsley Simpson family of Northfo…

Boy's Velveteen Norfolk Knicker Suit, 1890-1910

Brown velveteen Norfolk knicker suit. Collar-less, round-necked, double-breasted jacket faced with cotton and silk satin. Opens on right side; two rows of mother-of-pearl buttons, one functional. Two pleats on front, one pleat on back, with self-fabric belt passing through openings in pleats. Two patch pockets. Set-in sleeves, no cuffs. Straight-legged knickers with one snap at each hip. Inner waist band of white muslin with buttonholes. Two darts in back. Small open fly at inseam has been hand-…

Girl's Dress, about 1895

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.