Skirt (2005.34.1.B)

Cream-colored figured skirt with slight train and a kick-pleat with plain silk satin inserts on either side of center front. The silk design is a delicate, large-scale abstract feathery pattern. Five-gored construction with darts over each hip on side panels, and triangular gores either side of center back to create flare and train. Kick pleats either side of center front panel of ivory satin, with knife-pleated inserts (cream silk satin with a pink cast). Deep self hem, piped on the exterior of the skirt at the stitching line. Inside skirt hem has a 4" deep dust ruffle of pleated buckram with two rows of lace edging.

Provenance Narrative
Alma Brooks wore this at her 1892 wedding to John Wason in Woodford County, Kentucky. It was worn by another family member, Margaret Wason Garrett, in 1906 at her wedding in the same church to Dr. Ralph Tate.

The sleeves of the bodice were undoubtedly altered for the second wedding. In 1892, sleeves had not reached the fullness they would in a few years, and the Nineties' leg-of-mutton sleeves were extremely full at the top and narrowed to the cuff. These have the overall fullness of 1904-6. The skirt may have been altered slightly, but skirt construction did not change drastically in the intervening 14 years, so it may have its original 1892 configuration.

This dress, while perfectly appropriate for a wedding, would also adapt for use as a best evening dress afterward, as was common even late in the 19th century. This was not only a matter of frugality; it was practiced even in well-to-do circles. Weddings were usually intimate family affairs, and by wearing the wedding dress to social functions afterward, members of the bride's wide social circle had the opportunity to feel a part of the happy occasion. Alma Brooks wore this at her 1892 wedding to John Thornwell Wason in Woodford County, Kentucky. It was worn by another family member, Margaret Wason Garrett, in 1906 at her wedding in the same church to Dr. Ralph Tate. Family history records that the lace came from France and cost $11/yard, a considerable cost at the time.

Place Made
United States KENTUCKY Woodford County