390 A charming party dress from the period 1850-60s. Fashioned of cream colored silk printed with an exuberant floral pattern. Skirt of dress is very full to fit over a hoop skirt or crinoline. Bodice is gathered at front center waist, with short puffy sleeves and a gathered epaulet at shoulder. Lace at neckline. Worn by Lizzie Fox.

Donor Unknown

68.141.01-04 An enchanting 5 piece ensemble. Skirt and bodice of black silk, embellished with velvet ribbon, silk buttons and fringe. The fan-fronted bodice and tight epaulets of the 1840s, updated with bell sleeves and peplum of the 1850s. Fully lined and boned.

The ensemble came complete with undersleeves and collar of ivory silk & lace. The skirt is still attached to an older bodice with a pointed, rigidly boned body, sleeves removed.

Donated by Irene Van Matre Vollmers

531 Charming dress of brown silk with a woven pattern of textured stripes with ombre colored designs c.1860s. Skirt is very full to wear over hoops or a crinoline. Bodice is fitted, boned and ornamented with a false "Zouave" jacket--as outlined in fringe on the bodice and two rows of fringe on the ends of the bell sleeves. A decorative linen collar with lace is basted to the neckline. Worn by Catherine Dockery Weinheimer

Donated by Ed Ryan

2004.32.02 Delightful traveling dress c.1870's made of tan colored challis with brown tape edgings on cuffs, bib & ends of van dyke trim. Ornamental bow at side of skirt. Neckline features tiny brown silk collar with detachable bib of tiny tucks. Much interest in back, styled for modest bustle and long train decorated with van dykes. Fabric covered buttons on front, cuffs and train. No boning in princess seamed bodice. Dress worn by Helen Graves of Correctionville, Iowa.

Donated by Joy Nelson

68.139 & 68.120 This stylish 1880s ensemble is crafted of challis in black, now faded to a dark navy blue. The polonaise is embellished with yards of jet bead trim. Polonaise features tight fitting bodice and sleeves secured at center front with 27 black glass buttons in the shape of faceted balls. Polonaise has elegant asymmetrical drape in back. Bead trim is lavished down both sides of center front, all edges of polonaise drape, at cuffs and forming a watch pocket on the left side. Lace at cuffs, short band collar. Fully lined and boned. Styled for wear with a bustle. Click her for front view

The skirt is lavished with rows of pleats, shirring and ruffles. Fully lined with additional lining of heavy buckram at hem. The entire ensemble weighs over 15 pounds!

Donated by Irene Van Matre Vollmers

03.M.03 Delightful summer dress from the 1890s of lilac voile embellished with ivory lace and black velvet ribbon trim & bows. 3/4 length balloon sleeves gathered at shoulder and cuff, with cuffs of ivory lace. Bodice secures at center back with tiny mother-of-pearl buttons. High band collar with lace and ribbon trim.

Gored skirt features tucks at the hem. Separate cummerbund of lilac voile secures at center back with hooks & eyes.

Donor Unknown