Wedding Dress

Date1818

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Washington County (worn in)

MediumSilk, silk lace

DimensionsOL shoulder to hem, down center front 52 in.;
Bust 32 5/8 in (approx);
Waist 29 1/2 in (approx.)

Credit LineGift of the Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2023-208,A&B

DescriptionCream silk dress with lace overdress stitched on. Lace has a repeating floral pattern. Dress has raised waistline and short, cap sleeves. Sleeves appear to have an oversleeve with decorative pleating, braided trim, and piping at the cuff. Dress is trimmed at hem with a lace and silk satin ruffle bordered with puffed, rouleaux trim. Bodice has a drawstring ribbon at the neckline. Dress fastens in the back with drawstring cord at center back neckline and waist. Lace overdress fastens at center back with ribbon. Dress has a straight front and gathers in the center back. Dress has slight train.Label TextAccording to family history, this dress was worn by Susanna Smith Preston (1800-1847) when she married James McDowell (1795-1851) in 1818. By all accounts, the couple had a loving marriage; their daughter Sally McDowell later recalled her father's "extravagant love" for her mother, and a friend described their marriage as a "perpetual courtship". The McDowells were well known in Virginia society, particularly following James McDowell's election as Governor in 1842. An 1847 report in the 'Richmond Enquirer' described them as "your popular Governor McDowell and lady".Inscription(s)Written in black ink at the center front waistline, "40.31.1.b"; this may be the incorrectly written pervious number assigned by the Valentine Museum. Written in black ink on the interior of the right shoulder, "40.32.1.a"; this is the previous number assigned by the Valentine Museum.Provenance1818 worn by Susanna Smith Preston (1800-1847); prior to 1909, passed down by descent to Susan Smith Preston McDowell (1832-1909); prior to 1940, passed down by descent to Sarah Scott Carrington (1863-1940); February 1940 passed down by descent to Susan McDowell Currell (1889-1970), Sarah Carrington Currell (1890-1955), Mary Spenser Currell (1894-1983), Lily Preston Currell (1896-1979), Helen Nolting Currell (1899-1983) and Isabel Currell (1902-1986); June 1940 given to the Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2023-present given to Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)