Images(2)

Dress

Date1835-1840

OriginAmerica, Kentucky, Boone County (worn in)

MediumCotton, linen

DimensionsOL 56 7/8 in.; Waist 30 in.; Bust 35 ½ in.

Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2023-200

DescriptionPrinted cotton dress block printed with floral pattern in red, brown, and painted blue. Dress has a large, rounded collar with a ruffle. Dress has long sleeves with three bands of gathers by the shoulder. Dress opens down the center front bodice and partially down the skirt. There is a 3 inch by 2 inch gathered detail at the center front opening by the waist. The bodice is lined with linen. The hem is faced with linen. The skirt is gathered to the waist. The bodice has a V shaped center back seam with gathers at the point. The dress shows signs of alteration; center front hooks and eyes have been removed, and the opening down the center front was closed.

Construction History:
1. ca. 1835-1840: Initial Construction
2. Opening down center front closed. Hooks and eyes removed.Label TextDonor history tells us that this gown was owned by Judith Lacy (1809-1841). Born in 1809, she grew up in Mason County, KY and attended the Mayslick Baptist Church. In December 1831, she married William Whitaker (1793-1872), and moved to Hebron, KY. The period of this dress's construction coincides with the birth of the couple's second daughter, Susan Frances Whitaker (1839-).Provenance1835-1840 worn by Judith Lacy Whitaker (1809-1841) (Boone County, KY); prior to 1950, passed down by descent to Julius Esten Snyder (1859-1950) (Burlington, KY); upon death, given to his wife, Bernice D. Snyder (Burlington, KY); 1962 given to the Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2023-present given to Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)