Five dresses, 1870-1890
Item 11550 info
Brick Store Museum
Before the Civil War, in the 1830s, hairstyles had featured side curls or loops in front of the ears. The hair was parted in the middle with a bun or twisted braid at the back.
Older women wore a lace cap indoors, and even a young fashionable woman was supposed to wear a cap as soon as she had children.
During the 1840s bonnets became smaller. The large scoop bonnet of the late 1830s gave way to a rounded outline with the crown and brim still having a joining seam.
After 1845 bonnets were made in one piece in a shape somewhat resembling a coalscuttle. The "poke" bonnet added to the effect of extreme modesty as faces could only be seen from directly in front.
Item 14 of 24
