Gown
PeriodCirca 1860
Place MadeBraintree, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
MediumSilk taffeta, cotton, lace, silk fringe, linen
Dimensions54 in. (137.2 cm)
ClassificationsCostume, Women's
Credit LineGift of Helen Stickney Donoghue, 1970
Object number1988.713
DescriptionA woman's two piece gown of light brown and off-white mottled ground interspersed with bunches of red and green floral sprays. The bodice is fashioned with a high, round neckline, dropped shoulder seams, double bell sleeves, a front closure, and a pointed center front and back hem. Small circular eyelets run down the proper right side, allowing the wearer to change the buttons at will. The gown is lined with linen and glazed of-white cotton and includes boning channels on front and back. The bodice also includes an attached bertha or capelet. Capelet and sleeves are trimmed with long golden brown silk fringe. The skirt is constructed with a sturdy linen waistband, cartridge pleated skirt, full cotton lining, and back closure with single back button and hand-sewn eyelet. The skirt hem is faced with sturdy linen and narrow cotton binding tape. The pearl buttons are modern replacements.NotesThis beautiful crisp silk taffeta gown was owned and worn by Annie E. Holt at her marriage to Henry Edgar Peirce in November of 1863 in Braintree, Massachusetts. Annie was born in 1842, the daughter of Thomas A. Holt (1812-1892) and Eliza Ann Holt (1815-1848). Annie Holt Peirce had five children, including daughter Alice Holt Peirce (1875-1940). After Alice married William H. Stickney (1870-1945) in 1906, the couple welcomed daughter Helen in 1908. Eventually, William and Alice moved to Montclair, New Jersey. The wedding gown descended in the family and was actually mentioned in a 1927 newspaper article in the Montclair Times, noting that "Miss Helen Stickney of Montclair wore the taffeta wedding gown of her great aunt." The newspaper was incorrect regarding the original owner of the gown, but the garment was notable enough to be included in a lengthy article about the Colonial Tea and Exhibition held by the Ladies Club of Glen Ridge, New Jersey. Helen later married Harry Edger Donoghue in May of 1934. The couple lived in Montclair but later relocated to Atlantic Highlands, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Helen Stickney Donoghue donated her grandmother's gown to the Association in August of 1970.
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