Child's Gown

PeriodCirca 1855

Place MadeNew York, New York, U.S.A.

MediumSilk

Dimensions17 × 26.5 in. (43.2 × 67.3 cm)

ClassificationsCostume, Children's

Credit LineGift of Lauretta Stillwell Miller, 1933

Object number486

DescriptionA simply made child's gown in a bold black and coral plaid silk. The gown is constructed of two panels cut with a shallow boat neck, flared sides, and gently rounded hem. Two short sleeves narrow at the shoulders. Sleeve and neck edges are trimmed with scallops, finished with coral thread satin stitching. The gown's hem is finished in large scallops, also finished with coral thread satin stitching.
Curatorial RemarksThis simple yet boldly-patterned gown was worn by John E. Stillwell when he was about two years old. Throughout the 19th century and into the early 20th century, little boys wore skirts until the age of about five or six.NotesThis simple yet bold silk gown was made for John Edwin Stillwell (1853 - 1930). Stillwell, the son of Dr. John E. Stillwell (1813 - 1873) and Elizabeth S. Giles (1815 - 1890). The elder Stillwell was a practicing physician in New York City. The couple had four children: Loretta, Isabella, Elizabeth, and John. John Stillwell attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons, graduating in 1876 after writing his thesis on "Embolism of the Arteries of the Lower Extremeties." Stillwell was a lifelong bachelor. He practiced medicine for more than forty years and maintained his primary residence on the lower East Side for many years. Stillwell spent his summers in Monmouth County, and was particularly close with his older sister Lauretta Stillwell Miller (1845 - 1916). In addition to practicing medicine, Stillwell was an enthusiastic historian and genealogist. His five-volume "Historical and Genealogical Miscellany," published between 1903 and 1932, continues to be one of the primary sources in Monmouth County genealogical research. Stillwell wrote numerous other books on genealogical topics. Much of his personal collection, gathered during his years of research and which include deeds, documents, correspondence, ledgers, and other materials, are in the collection of the New-York Historical Society. The Monmouth County Historical Association has a miniature portrait of Dr. Stillwell in its collection (see accession number 948). Stillwell died on October 4, 1930, at the age of 77.

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