Digital Dress Collection

The Digital Dress Collection contains images of clothing worn in Michigan during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Clothing reflects the culture and the time period of the wearer, so this collection offers insight into Michigan life and society. The items shown here are held in the collections of Wayne State University, The Henry Ford, Detroit Historical Society and Meadowbrook Hall.

Vest, 1850-1880

Earrings, about 1830-1850

Bonnet, about 1850

Trousers, about 1820-1850

Worn by a member of the Mitchell family of New York State.Used on an everyday basis for hard work.

Dress, 1850-1855

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.

Morning Dress, 1850-1855

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.

Bonnet, 1820-1850

The quilting of this bonnet indicates that it was likely worn seasonally in the autumn and winter.

Frock Coat, about 1830-1850

Plain yet attractive frock coat, probably used for some special occassion in a rural community.

Dress, 1845-1850

Lace Hand Fan with Carved and Pierced Ivory Monture, 1850

Carved and pierced ivory and lace folding hand fan, which was owned by Matilda Dodge Wilson (October 19, 1883 – September 19, 1967),who was the wife of John Francis Dodge (October 25, 1864 – January 14, 1920), co-founder of the Dodge Motor Car Company in Detroit, Michigan.

Lace Fan with Mother of Pearl Monture, 1850

Folding hand fan made of lace with a mother of pearl monture, which was owned by Matilda Dodge Wilson (October 19, 1883 – September 19, 1967),who was the wife of John Francis Dodge (October 25, 1864 – January 14, 1920), co-founder of the Dodge Motor Car Company in Detroit, Michigan.

Sequined Lace fan with Ivory Monture, 1850

Folding hand fan made of lace with sequin details and an ivory monture, which was owned by Matilda Dodge Wilson (October 19, 1883 – September 19, 1967),who was the wife of John Francis Dodge (October 25, 1864 – January 14, 1920), co-founder of the Dodge Motor Car Company in Detroit, Michigan.

Painted Fan with Ivory Monture, 1850

Painted folding hand fan with ivory monture and painted detail, which was owned by Matilda Dodge Wilson (October 19, 1883 – September 19, 1967),who was the wife of John Francis Dodge (October 25, 1864 – January 14, 1920), co-founder of the Dodge Motor Car Company in Detroit, Michigan.

The illustrated Scripture alphabet: with prayers and hymns for children

The electronic version of this item was provided by the Wayne State University Library System and is freely accessible through the Wayne State University Libraries Digital Collections.

The oracles of Shakespeare: with a selection of aphorisms, from the same author

The electronic version of this item was provided by the Wayne State University Library System and is freely accessible through the Wayne State University Libraries Digital Collections.

Jessie: and other stories for young people

Bound with: The obedient boys and other stories for young people.

Master Henry's lesson ; The visitors ; and, Hay making

Part of the abridged version of Mrs. Sherwood's History of Henry Milner.

The rescued boy: and other books for children and youth

The rescued boy.--Albert Raymond.--Ellen Stone.--Hopie Stratton.

The child's poetical keepsake

The electronic version of this item was provided by the Wayne State University Library System and is freely accessible through the Wayne State University Libraries Digital Collections.