Images(2)

Bodice

Date1795-1805

OriginAmerica, North Carolina, Louisburg (probably)

MediumCotton, linen

DimensionsOL shoulder to hem down center back 9 in.
Bust 32 ¼ in.

Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2023-135

DescriptionWoman’s bodice made of tan printed cotton with stippled and looped curve pattern. Bodice has high waistline, curved, open neckline, and sleeves ending just above the elbow. Bodice has a center front closure intended to be pinned to fasten. Bodice has V shaped center back seams. Bodice is lined with linen. The bodice lining is pieced on the front right flap. Stitching at center back waist suggests that there may have been a skirt attached.Label TextSarah Ann Richmond (1759-1846), a potential wearer of this bodice, was well-known in the Methodist community in Louisburg, North Carolina. Her second husband, Daniel Shine, was a preacher who earned acclaim as a circuit rider before moving more permanently to Louisburg. A descendant would recall "Mrs. Shine dodging about every hole and corner in her house hunting for cakes and sweet meats for her grand children...and the solemn voice of our Old Grand Papa resounding in peals of thunder from the pulpit."ProvenancePrior to 1942, passed down by descent to Sarah Joseph Alston Claiborne (Petersburg, VA); 1942 given to the Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2023-present given to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)