Name/Title
Wedding Dress TopEntry/Object ID
2025.15.1Description
Wedding dress top, pairs with matching skirt 2025.15.2.Use
This dress was worn by Mathilda Erikson for her wedding to Eric Erikson in 1886 and presumably for formal occasions from then on. The dress was passed down from the donor's great-grandmother.Context
The original owner was Mathilda Erikson (maiden name Eriksdotter), then her daughter Marie Johnson, then the donor's mother Lois Stahl, and then donor Marta Nelson.
Mathilda Erikson (1859-1949) emigrated from the province Smaland in Skede, Sweden to Baltimore and then Chicago. Eric Erikson (1843-1913) emigrated from the province Varmland in Jarnboas, Sweden to New York and then Chicago. Eric traveled with his cousin, Frederick Nelson, who married Mathilda's older sister, Gustava.
Eric Erikson was a streetcar conductor, and Mathilda Erikson raised their 6 children. He died from blood-poisoning after a nail puncture to his knee. His widow received some insurance money after his death and used the funds to buy a home in the 2300 block of Kedvale Avenue in Chicago.Acquisition
Accession
2025.15Source or Donor
Marta NelsonClothing/Dress/Costume Details
Article of Clothing/Dress/Costume
Gown, Dress, JacketClothing Sex
FemaleMade/Created
Date made
circa 1886Time Period
19th CenturyPlace
City
ChicagoState/Province
IllinoisCountry
United StatesContinent
North AmericaLexicon
LOC Thesaurus for Graphic Materials
Wedding clothing & dress, Gowns, Wedding, Jackets, Bridal gownsSearch Terms
Sweden--Småland (Region), Sweden--Värmland, Illinois--Chicago, Women’s clothingReproductions
Notes
Reproduction of the Museum's artifacts for publication, commercial use, or distribution requires written permission.
