|
During World War I women sacrificed their
corsets; the steel supports were needed to build battleships.
Clothes immediately became more comfortable, and corsets
- - tight-fitting, abdomen-hugging pieces used to shape
the waist and hips - - were never worn again. Just as history
has changed the way we live, it has changed what we wear.
Costumes of the 1870s and 1880s were tight and restricted
movement, reflecting a woman's place in society ; and, since
their wardrobes were limited, much ornamentation was lavished
on one gown.
Most pioneer women had at least one good Sunday dress.
Note: These period fashions are on display
at the Bush House Museum, an 1878 Victorian mansion with
original furnishings, gas lights, wallpaper, and 10 mantle
fireplaces.
Bush House Museum,
600 Mission St. SE, Salem, OR 97302
Phone: 503-363-4714
[ View
Image ]
[ View
Image ]
Velvet Dress
[ View Image
]
There is only one male outfit - a wedding
suit. men’s clothing had changed very little, even
in the last 150 years.
[ View
Image ]
Bibliography:
Statesman Journal newspaper, March 1, 1991
Photography by Monica Mersinger of textile collection at Bush
House Museum, 2002
|
