Dress, Wedding

circa 1875

Wedding gown worn by Maria Elizabeth Cory Brown, married November 10, 1875. Gown is comprised of a bodice and a separate skirt made of several layers of off-white plain weave fabric. First layer is sheer and lightweight; second layer is heavier and less delicate. Bodice (A) opens at center front, and is comprised of vertical rows of tape and scalloped gathering. Sleeve has self-fabric piping down its length; some areas on reverse of bodice and under sleeves are not detailed with scalloped gathering/overlayer. Details on reverse form a v-shaped pattern that is gathered at waistline. Skirt (B) is comprised of two separate layers. A sheer overskirt has small pleats at its waistband, and is finished with three tiers of ruffles along its hem. Underskirt is made of thicker fabric, also with small pleats at waistband. Half of the hem is finished with an additional piece of box-pleated fabric. Both skirt layers open at center back, with no closures evident. Both are also longer in the back than in the front, suggesting a "train" effect. Collar (C) is made of net lace with a floral/scalloped design along its bottom edge. Top edge is bound with white bias tape. See P5589 for photograph of Mrs. Brown wearing the gown.

2009.1.1 ABC