Dresses worn by Frances Jewell Morse and Mary Getchell, 1875
Item 11552 info
Brick Store Museum
During the mid-19th century, American women's physical energies seemed to be declining noticeably.
Whether real or inspired by the romantic literature of the time, women displayed frailty.
Sarah Hale detested the notion that pallor was an essential element of beauty. She advocated a healthful diet, plenty of exercise, and at least one bath a week.
She also spoke out vehemently against injurious waist lacing that she felt was "the cause of the vapors and frequent swooning."
Item 17 of 24
