Dressing Gown
PeriodCirca 1890 - 1893
Place MadePossibly New Jersey, U.S.A.
MediumSilk, lace, cotton
Dimensions54 in. (137.2 cm)
ClassificationsCostume, Women's
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Laura Braley, 1978
Object number1978.14.2
DescriptionA woman's dressing gown of figured striped pink silk alternating with bands of multicolored floral vines. The gown closes in front and features a high ruched collar, full sleeves tapering to close-fitting cuffs, and a loose and unconstricted waist, gathered in by a wide pale pink silk ribbon sewn to the back center and pinned closed. Ruffled ecru lace trims the sleeve ends. A small gathered pocket is sewn patch style to the right.Curatorial RemarksThis garment, with its loose fitting waist fastened with a wide pink silk band, is most likely a house dress, worn in the privacy of a woman's home. The garment is more fitted than a robe or dressing gown, and could be used as casual wear while reading or relaxing.NotesThis lovely dressing gown or house dress was owned by Jennie Briggs Clancy (1873 - 1945). Born in England, Jennie Briggs was a year old when her family emigrated to New York City. She married James M. Clancy, and the couple had one daughter, Madelaine Agnes. James Clancy worked as a bank clerk before studying law. In 1913, he was appointed warden of Sing Sing Prison in Ossining, New York. Jennie and James Clancy moved to Spring Lake around 1910. Her daughter Madalaine Agnes Clancy, received a commendation from the Cunard Line Steamship Company for her efforts in assisting survivors of the Morro Castle shipwreck and fire on 8 September 1934, when the vessel ran aground between Spring Lake and Asbury Park. Jennie Briggs Clancy died at the age of 71 in 1945.
Collections
