Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
Samuel Freeman (1743-1831) of Portland first wore this waistcoat, or vest, at his marriage to Betty Ilsley Jones on February 7, 1786. A prominent citizen of Portland, Freeman was the first postmaster, helped found the first public library, served on the Committee of Correspondence during the Revolution, and served in the courts for most of his adult life.
This vest is of grosgrain silk, and richly embroidered with chenille and gold metallic threads. The back is linen. Vests are one of the more commonly surviving items of mid-eighteenth century male dress.
About This Item
- Title: Samuel Freeman's waistcoat, Portland, ca. 1786
- Creation Date: circa 1786
- Subject Date: circa 1786
- Location: Portland, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: Silk, linen, metallic thread
- Dimensions: 71.120 cm x 107.950 cm
- Local Code: A86-191
- Collection: Costume collection
- Object Type: Physical Object
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Clothing and dress--Maine--Portland
- Freeman, Samuel (1743-1831)--Clothing
- Men--Clothing and dress
- Postmasters--Maine--Portland
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1781
- Vests
- Weddings--Maine
People
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
Use of this Item is not restricted by copyright and/or related rights, but the holding organization is contractually obligated to limit use. For more information, please contact the contributing organization. However, watermarked Maine Memory Network images may be used for educational purposes.
More to Consider
Item 7653
Samuel Freeman posthumous portrait, ca. 1887, 1795
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