Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
Lucy Brooks Cabot’s patterned silk gown represents the move towards two-piece dresses in the mid-1800s, with a front opening bodice and circular crinoline skirt. Two notable features of this dress are the very wide wrist pagoda sleeves, and two-tier skirt. At this time, crinoline skirts were created by petticoat layers, some stiffened with horsehair––hence the word "crinoline," from the French word "crin" for horsehair.
In 1853, Lucy Brooks (1825-1912) of Vermont married Norman F. Cabot in Alabama. This ensemble was reportedly part of her wedding trousseau. Lucy Brooks Cabot returned to Vermont with her family by the 1870s. Eventually, her descendants moved to Maine, where the dress was donated to Westbrook College, and eventually Maine Historical Society.
About This Item
- Title: Lucy Cabot's two-piece dress, Brattleboro, VT, ca. 1855
- Creation Date: circa 1855
- Subject Date: circa 1855
- Location: Brattleboro, Windham County, VT
- Media: silk, cotton
- Local Code: 2005.001.062 a,b
- Collection: Costume collection
- Object Type: Physical Object
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For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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