Waistcoat
PeriodCirca 1861
MediumSilk brocade, silk, glazed cotton, linen
ClassificationsCostume, Men's
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Edward S. W. Wilkeson, 1936
Object number957
DescriptionA man's waistcoat or vest, or rich black silk brocade woven in a pattern of large and naturalistic red, pink, and white floral sprays. The waistcoat's back is of glazed brown cotton, with two glazed brown cotton adjustable rear waist tabs with a buckle closure. The waistcoat is fully lined with plain off-white cotton. A four-button front closure is flanked by two shallow bound pockets.Curatorial RemarksJust as many women throughout the 19th and 20th centuries saved dresses, veils, gloves, and other accessories and garments connected to their weddings, so too did men. The Association has a number of fashionable waistcoats belonging to Monmouth residents worn at their weddings.NotesThis eye-catching and elegant waistcoat was owned and worn by Monmouth County resident Henry Chamberlain, very possibly at his wedding on 14 March 1861 to Sarah Ann Reynolds. Chamberlain was the tax collector for Eatontown during the 1880s and was active in local politics for many years. He lived in West Long Branch. Chamberlain also worked his farm in Eatontown until about 1900, when he leased it to the Hollywood Golf Club. He died on 11 July 1910 at the age of 75.
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