Images(3)

Dress

Date1826-1828

OriginAmerica, New Jersey or New York

MediumCotton

DimensionsChest: 28 inches
Overall Length: 24 inches

Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2022-138

DescriptionVery fine plain white cotton dress with embellished lower hem. The hem is comprised of three rows of eight extremely fine pleats between which is a row of white work floral embroidery, eyelets, and herringbone stitches. The triangular “Van Dyke” style hem was created with a series of closely set buttonhole stitches along with white work embroidery and eyelets. The motif along the hem is mimicked around the neck edge and sleeve ends. The neck is made adjustable through a draw string which can be pulled from both the front and back.Label TextThis child's or infant gown is very typical for the mid to late 1820s. The gown is made of white cotton with a highly decorative hem, which reflects the styles seen in adult women's clothing at the same time.ProvenanceThis child’s or infant's dress was given by Mrs. Colonel Bumford to Mrs. Jeremiah Dunn Hayden (Maria Sanford 1790-1857) for her daughter Cordelia Adelaide Hayden Gilham (1826-1913) to wear probably around the time of her birth. The gown passed down through the daughters of the family until donated to The Valentine Museum in 1962. It was later transferred to Colonial Williamsburg in 2022.

Delia Hayden Page (1882-1976) Donor
Emma Hayden Gilham (1855-1933) Mother of donor
Cordelia Adelaide Hayden Gilham (1826-193) Grandmother of donor
Maria Sanford Hayden (1790-1857) Great grandmother of donor

Mrs. Colonel Bumford remains unknown.