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Cloak
Cloak
Cloak

Cloak

Maker
Period1750 - 1790
Place MadeNew Jersey
MediumWool, velvet, steel
Dimensions53.5 in. (135.9 cm)
ClassificationsCostume, Men's
Credit LineGift of Miss Lydia R. Parker
Object number1999.572
DescriptionA man's riding cloak of heavy brown worsted wool. The cloak is cut on the full ciricle with an 11-inch back vent and an additional overcape of matching fabric attached along the neckline, falling just below the wearer's forearms. The cloak also has a wide dark blue velvet padded collar, quilted on the underside. The cloak's lining is of rough olive green linsey-woolsey fabric. The cloak fastens with three buttons and a short length of steel link chain and hook at the neckline. The buttons appear to be of carved shell and covered with matching brown wool. Arm slits are cut into the left and right sides of the cloak beneath the overcape, with single-button closure flaps.
Curatorial RemarksThe survival of this man's cloak, owned and worn by James Reed, combined with the survival of the bright scarlet cloak worn by his wife, Moyka Longstreet Reid, is virtually unique. It is a rare opportunity to compare outerwear known to have been made at virtually the same time, in the same region, and worn by the same family members.NotesThis cloak was owned and worn by James Reed (1727 - 1809). His father, John Reed (sometimes spelled Reid), deeded land for the County's Courthouse between 1677 and 1720. The Historical Association also has a cloak belonging to James Reed's wife, Moyka Longstreet Reed (see accession 1998.578). Both James and Moyka Reed are interred at the Topanemus Episcopal Burial Ground in Marlboro, Monmouth County, New Jersey. The donor of the cloak, Lydia Reid Parker, was the great great granddaughter of Moyka and James Reid. Parker donated the cloak, along with James Reid's own cloak (see entry 1999.572), in 1957. A newspaper article from the December 15, 1957 issue of the Asbury Park Press noted that Lydia R. Parker was the owner of "a collection of old clothes that have been in her familiy for several generations." The article went on to mention that "some of the oldest clothes, a few dating back to revolutionary days, were presented to the Monmouth County Historical Association."
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