White batiste cotton dress, Brownville, ca. 1905

Contributed by Maine Historical Society

Description

A turn-of-the-century white batiste cotton dress is representative of early 20th century fashions, when lightweight white cotton dresses were popular. The full length dress features lace and pin tucking, with center applied whitework embroidery, and embroidered dot and crescent patterns. A high square neckline and 3/4 sleeves with ruffles at the cuff add period detail. The skirt has two layers, with the top layer only at the sides and back, creating a tiered ruffle effect. The dress is a quality example of early 20th century white, sheer summer dresses.

The dress was donated to Maine Historical Society in memory of Mabel Ivy (Priestman) McLaughlin (1908-1995), however, Mabel Priestman was born around the time the dress was made. Its more likely the dress belonged to Mabel's mother, Esther (Catchpole) Priestman (1879-1932) who immigrated from England to Brownville (or possibly another family member.) The dress dates approximately between 1900 and 1910.

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About This Item

  • Title: White batiste cotton dress, Brownville, ca. 1905
  • Creation Date: 1905
  • Subject Date: circa 1905
  • Location: Brownville, Piscataquis County, ME
  • Media: cotton
  • Local Code: 1998.250.1 a,b
  • 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
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This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. No Permission is required to use the low-resolution watermarked image for educational use, or as allowed by the applicable copyright. For all other uses, permission is required.

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