Gown
PeriodCirca 1865 - 1868
Place MadeNew York, U.S.A.
MediumSilk taffeta, glazed cotton, linen, whalebone, silk fringe
ClassificationsCostume, Women's
Credit LineGift of Henry Acken Meckes, 1948
Object number3266.1
DescriptionA woman's gown of silk taffeta plaid in brown, black, and ivory tones. The gown is made with bodice attached to skirts. The bodice includes a high round neck, front hook and eye closures, dogleg waist closure, and long shaped sleeves with dropped armsyces The skirts are sewn to the waistband in narrow cartridge pleats and the hem is bound with reddish brown horsehair style wool braid. The bodice is flatlined with sturdy brown woven cotton, while the skirt is flatlined with glazed tan cotton. The skirt also has a long, deep pocket of brown linen and cotton on the proper right side. A small rectangular fragment measuring approximately 3 x 5 inches of a woven plaid linen in white and deep green was folded and tucked into the bottom of the pocket. The gown is simply trimmed in a golden brown, tan, and pinkish tan woven silk ribbon with frizzled silk fringe, arranged in a "V" along the bodice and at the wrists to form a false button cuff placket.Curatorial RemarksKatherina Becker Meckes (1849-1927) wore this taffeta silk gown when she was a teenager, probably before her marriage to George Meckes in 1870. Taffeta was a popular choice for women's gowns even for casual or everyday wear. The gown itself is simply yet well-made, and the light cotton lining indicates its use as a warmer weather gown. Katherina would have worn this dress with a crispy starched and embroidered white collar, a belt or sash, and perhaps a cherished brooch pinned at the neckline. This sort of gown was appropriate for visiting friends, walkiing or other mild activities, or other casual events where "best" was not needed.NotesThis simple yet charming gown was worn by Katherina Becker Meckes. Born in Germany in April 1849, Katherina emigrated to the United States as a young girl with her family. She married successful New York barber George Meckes (1836-1898) in June of 1870. The couple had seven children (six boys and one girl) and later moved to Paterson, New Jersey. Katherina (who is listed as "Catherine" in several Federal Census records) was in her teens when she wore this dress. Katherina's dress was passed down through the family and was donated by her grandson Henry Meckes (1914-1978) to the Historical Association in 1948. This is one of two dresses worn by Katherina Meckes. The second gown is accessioned as 3266.2.
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