Dress
PeriodCirca 1830-1835
MediumPlain woven silk taffeta, linen
Dimensions52 in. (132.1 cm)
ClassificationsCostume, Women's
Credit LineGift of Dr. Daniel Hendrickson, 1937
Object number1041
DescriptionA woman's gown of thin, crisp plain woven silk taffeta in a grayish green color. The gown is constructed as one piece, with a front bodice closure. The gown's wide, shallow boat neck is edged with self fabric piping, as are the curved back seams and armscyes. Several broad vertical pleats or tucks appear on both sides of the front bodice. The gown's long sleeves are exceptionally full at the upper arms, dramatically narrowing to the wrist closures. The gown includes an "apron" front skirt closure, which provides two pocket slits at left and right hips. The front portion of the skirt waistband is sewn to a narrow woven tape which runs around the back of the waist and ties, hidden by the back bodice. The gown's bodice is lined with plain white linen. The sleeves and skirt are unlined.Curatorial RemarksMiriam Williams Corlies may have been the maker of this relatively simple, yet fashionable, silk gown. An examination of the dress reveals that although it was made in the mid 1830s, its construction techniques are rooted in the 18th century. The "apron" front skirt construction reflects the round gown style of the 1780s and 1790s, while the handling of the box pleats along the waistband also reflect late 18th century construction. During the 1830s, subdued "drab" colors such as grayish-green, olive green, brown tones ranging from tan to umber, and other similar shades were quite popular. Also popular were the exaggeratedly inflated upper sleeves tapering to tight-fitting wrists. Miriam's sleeves were not quite as full as some examples, but it is clear she was aware of and embraced the fashions of the day. Belts and sashes were popular fashion accessories at this time. The belt shown with the dress is also from the collection (accession number T1976.92) and appears to date from around the same time period. The Association also has a sturdy coat which belonged to Miriam's husband, Benjamin Woolley Corlies (accession number 1037).NotesThis gown was most likely made and worn by Miriam Tilton Williams Corlies. Miriam was born in 1797, the daughter of Tylee Williams and Elizabeth Salter Hartshorne, and one of at least nine children. She married fellow Quaker and Shrewsbury resident Benjamin Woolley Corlies. Miriam and her husband ran a highly successful farm in Eatontown. Benjamin was described as "one of the foremost surveyors of his day." A number of garments belonging to Miriam and her husband Benjamin descended within the family. The group was donated to the Historical Association by Dr. Daniel Hendrickson, whose wife Susan Corlies Osborn (1851 - 1925) was Miriam and Benjamin's Corlies' granddaughter.
ProvenanceMiriam Tilton Williams Corlies (1797 - 1876) to her daughter Sarah Corlies Osborn (1830 - 1896) (Mrs. Ezra) to her daughter Susan Corlies Osborn Hendrickson (1851 - 1925) (Mrs. Daniel) to Dr. Daniel Hendrickson (1857 - 1945)
