Name/Title
dressEntry/Object ID
1953.239.001Description
This dress, which belonged to Mary Bostwick Shellman, is a Reception Dress of orange silk satin with beige brocaded floral motifs, dating from around the early 1880s. This full-length, one-piece dress features a square neckline with a standing collar in the back, a button-front bodice, and a full skirt with bustle fullness in the back. It has ¾ length sleeves that were later altered. The dress is fully lined with brown cotton.Context
While the dress was once rumored to belong to Mary's grandmother, historical clothing consultant Colleen Callahan confirmed its early 1880s date. The earlier confusion likely stemmed from the fact that the dress was badly altered to appear more colonial, possibly for use in one of Mary Shellman's many plays. Mary was involved in staging local performances, and this dress serves as a tangible link to her passion for the arts and enriching her community through theater. An image from a play called "Popping the Question" in 1891 shows Mary wearing this dress.Acquisition
Accession
1953.239Source or Donor
Shellman,Acquisition Method
Gift
