Gown
Period1840
Place MadeNew Jersey, U.S.A.
MediumLightweight silk brocade, linen
Dimensions54 in. (137.2 cm)
ClassificationsCostume, Women's
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Herbert Gittins, 1940
Object number2022.527
DescriptionA woman's one-piece day gown of soft lightweight pale gold silk, woven with a subtle vertical stripe and small offset alternating floral sprigs. The gown has a heart-shaped yoke above a full fan-front panel, gathered just above the piped princess waist. The gown's dropped shoulder seams are also piped, with long shaped relatively close-fitting sleeves ornamented with bands of ruched silk sewn to the upper arm area. The gown's skirt is attached beneath the bodice's piped waistline. The entire gown fastens at the back with hooks and eyes, some of which are original. The gown also shows signs of minor alteration, including the addition of a panel of plain silk around the lower skirt for additional length. The gown's bodice is flatlined with fine off-white linen while the sleeves are lined in a brown plain weave lightweight cotton.Curatorial RemarksThis gown, although slightly altered, retains an astonishing amount of original hand sewing and original construction details. It is a fine example of the very early 1840s style, with its "fan" bodice, tightly gathered above the waist and fanning out to the heart-shaped upper yoke. Although the original maker and wearer of the gown is unknown, it is very likely that donor Elizabeth La Motte Gittins wore the dress as part of her dramatic recitations. Gittins may very well have acquired the gown from a local Monmouth family during her many years in the area.NotesThe gown was donated to the Association by Matawan resident Elizabeth La Motte Gittins in about 1940. La Motte was born in 1875 in New York to Lucius P. and Ellen (Knickerbocker) La Motte, although at least one Federal Census noted that she was born in Louisiana. La Motte moved to Monmouth County in around 1900 and began working in the Matawan school district, teaching eighth grade as well as heading up the school dramatics department. On Christmas Day of 1911, La Motte married Herbert Gittins, who worked as secretary of the Matawan Board of Education. The couple had several children. Elizabeth frequently appeared in local newspapers, noting her dramatic readings and performances for various church groups, societies, and other organizations. She also coached, designed, and oversaw school plays several times a year. Gittins worked for the Matawan school district for fifty years and died on May 3, 1960.
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