Dress
PeriodCirca 1925
Place MadeNew Jersey, U.S.A.
MediumSilk, silk crepe
Dimensions47 in. (119.4 cm)
ClassificationsCostume, Women's
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Joseph H. Rosell, 1944
Object number1990
DescriptionA woman's three-piece day dress, of thin silk printed with a bold black geometric pattern on off-white. A narrow pleated printed silk drop-waisted skirt is sewn to a plain off white silk sleeveless bodice, with narrow printed silk shoulder straps. An overblouse of printed silk slips over the wearer's head, ending at the waist with a wide waistband with a large decorative bow over the left hip, a deep V neckline, and long sleeves ending in simple white cotton cuffs with snap closure. The outfit is completed by a sheer off-white crepe rectangular scarf, with wide 3 inch borders of the black printed silk.NotesThis simple and stylish day dress was owned and worn by Freehold resident Fannie Goldsmith Rosell. Fannie was born on March 19, 1861, in Camden, New Jersey. On January 1, 1885, she married Freehold resident and pharmacist Joseph H. Rosell. The couple had two daughters, Mary Elizabeth (born 1887) and Emma L. (born 1890). Joseph Rosell ran his well-known and successful pharmacy on East Main Street in downtown Freehold for more than fifty years. During that time, Fannie Rosell was an energetic member of the local community. She was a member of the Freehold Women's Club, serving as its President from 1917-1919 and 1921-1923, as well as its historian. Rosell was an avid gardener, and served as the New Jersey State Chairman of the Federation Garden Department. She died at the age of 95 on March 7, 1957. Fannie Rosell donated her dress to the Historical Association in 1944.
Collections
