Name/Title
Wrapper dress found in the attic of 2053-2055 Central, c. 1900Entry/Object ID
2021.71.1Description
Acc. No. 21.71.1
Subject Category: Citizens of Alameda / Homes of Alameda
Date or Period: c. 1900
Object: dress
Description: A sacque or sack-back gown or wrapper, made of copper-colored silk, inside layer of cotton, with partial front closure, whalebone stays, and mutton-puff sleeves, decorated at the neck, wrist, a front-only waist-line closure, and in a princessline shape on the bodice, with multi-colored applique design of embroidered flower or leaf design out of metal thread and glass and metal beads, and at the neck and wrist with lace trim. At the back, the dress is a lighter colored grosgrain bow. It has hook and eye closure, and inside hem has a ribbon of velvet. Combination hand-hemmed and machine sewn.
History of Object: found in the attic of 2153-2155 Central, and donated to the museum in 2016. The house was originally built in 1892, by Brehaut & Diamond, architect Charles S. Shaner, for John W. Powell, who was working in mining. John W. died before 1930, his son John Lincoln Powell died in 1943, apparently in Oakland. More research is needed to confirm that it was Alma R (John W.'s wife, b. Mar 1856), or their daughter Alma B (b. Dec. 1892) who wore this dress, or whether another family brought their old clothes to the house.
Acquired from: Marilyn Wire,
2155 Central Ave,
510-775-5927
Donated: 2016
Catalog Date: 7/26/2021
