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2023-207,A, Shirt
Suit; shirt; trousers
2023-207,A, Shirt

Suit; shirt; trousers

Date1819
OriginAmerica, Virginia, Washington County, Abingdon (probably)
MediumCotton
DimensionsA: OL 21 in.; Chest 19 5/8 in.
B: OL with straps 24 5/8 in.; Waist 20 in.
Credit LineGift of the Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA
Object number2023-207,A&B
DescriptionBoy’s suit in two pieces, shirt and trousers.

A. Boy’s shirt made of blue and white striped cotton. Shirt has long skirt and long sleeves. Shirt fastens down the center back with three thread covered buttons and two black laces (added later). There is an opening cut 8 ¾ inches down the center back from the yoke. Shirt center back is lined in white cotton.

B. Boy’s trousers made of blue and white striped cotton with white cotton waist and straps. Straps fasten at the shoulder with ties. Trousers fasten down the center back with two sets of ties. Trousers have a split seat. Trousers are pieced at the legs. Right leg slightly longer than left leg.Label TextAccording to donor history, this boy's suit was handmade by Louisa Smith Bowen (1800-1873) for her only child, John Warfield Johnston (1818-1889). Made around the time Johnston turned a year old, the garment represents a fraught moment for mother and son. Louisa Bowen married Dr. John Warfield Johnston in 1817, their son (and Johnston's namesake) was born the next September, and Dr. Johnston died only three months later. Bowen may have spent time with her Johnston in-laws as a young widow and made this suit at the Johnston family property, Panicello.Inscription(s)A. Written in black ink on the center back lining, "39.48.7.a"; this is the previous number assigned by the Valentine Museum.

B. Written in black ink on the center back opening, "39.48.7.b"; this is the previous number assigned by the Valentine Museum.Provenance1819 made by Louisa Smith Bowen (1800-1873) for John Warfield Johnston (1818-1889) (Abingdon, VA); prior to 1939 passed by descent to Coralie Johnston (1861-1954) and Anne Lee (1877-1975); 1939 given to the Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2023-present given to Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)