Harriet B. Goodrich's wedding dress, Providence, RI, circa 1895

Contributed by Maine Historical Society

Harriet B. Goodrich's wedding dress, Providence, RI, circa 1895

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Description

Harriet B. Goodrich (1871-1968) of Providence, RI married Edward M. Wheeler on June 11, 1895. Originally from Connecticut, the couple largely lived in Providence, with Harriet (Goodrich) Wheeler eventually moved to South Portland where she died in 1968.

The Wheeler's daughter, Dorothy (Wheeler) Brow donated her mother's wedding dress to Westbrook College in 1983. Both of Dorothy's daughters attended Westbrook College, Lynda Brow Fisher (Class of 1952) and Dorothy Brow Gough (Class of 1954). Westbrook College amassed a large collection of historic clothing as part of their fashion program. In 1993, the college transferred the collection to Maine Historical Society.

This 1895 wedding dress is an excellent example of a mid-1890s fashion trend, the gigot or leg-of-mutton sleeve. The large, puffed sleeve style was at its peak mid-decade. The ivory or creme-colored satin is stiff, helping to support the sleeve's volume. Coordinating lace and lace overlays, referencing floral and leaf patterns, adds detail to the bodice. Made, at least in part in Massachusetts, a stamp on the inside of the bodice reads ""Mason; Springfield, Mass."

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About This Item

  • Title: Harriet B. Goodrich's wedding dress, Providence, RI, circa 1895
  • Creation Date: circa 1895
  • Subject Date: 1895
  • Locations:
    • Providence, Providence County, RI
    • Springfield , Hampden County, MA
  • Media: silk, lace, cotton
  • Dimensions: 180.340 cm x 133.350 cm
  • Local Code: 1993.300.757 a-c
  • Collection: Costume collection
  • Object Type: Physical Object

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For more information about this item, contact:

Maine Historical Society
485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
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