Mannequins exhibited in 1840's dresses from “Godey's Ladies: An Exhibition of 19th-Century Dresses,” Kennebunk, 1986
Item 11558 info
Pejepscot History Center
The layers of petticoats, corsets, and crinolines worn during the 19th century make it clear that movement was difficult for the wearer.
Such restriction was a conspicuous reminder that a woman dressed in elegant fashion did not have to endure the demanding physical labor of farm chores and housework. Her social and economic status allowed her to be decorous.
Women were expected to be guardians of the home, carrying out educational and cultural responsibilities in childrearing and maintaining the home's spiritual sanctity.
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