- Image 6
This woman's
dress is trimmed on the sleeves near the top and bottom in either a
darker color fabric, or perhaps velvet ribbon. The dress appears to
have functioning buttons. The white collar is somewhat wider than
most for the 1860's, but is perhaps held over from earlier days. The
cut of the sleeves appears to be that of the 1860's. The collar is
decorative in that it has a slight scalloped edge. It may be white
work around the edge. There are two growth tucks near the hem of the
skirt. This woman is obviously not wearing a corset. Her waistline
is rather ample for a woman of her years, and the bosom rides at the
waistline. The bodice is gathered and relatively loose fitting
indicating she is more interested in comfort than style. Her dress
has an overall neat and attractive appearance otherwise. Her only
visible jewelry is a broach at the neckline, however, she may have had
a ring or earrings which did not show up in the image. She wears a
fabulous print shawl draped over one shoulder. It is fashionably
large, and was most likely multi-colored. One can see the faint image
of spectacles. Her hair is neatly dressed in the center parted style
with bun in back, and she is wearing some sort of decorated net. It
appears to have ruched ribbon around the crown of the head. Her shoes
are simple sturdy flats with square toe.
Her husband is wearing a frock coat. His trowsers, waistcoat, and
frock coat are obviously all three of different fabric. His trowsers
are striped. He wears a white shirt with very simple bow tie. He
carries his cane more for show and style since he could easily have
had it moved out of the image once he was seated otherwise. He wears
boots with square toe and has an overall neat appearance.
While this couple appear to be past the age for hard work, they are
obviously of middle to upper middle class. Perhaps he was a planter,
business owner, a minister, owned a fancy dry goods store, was a
confectioner or hotel owner, was a watch maker or insurance broker,
perhaps he was a cotton factor, postmaster, a trader, a gunsmith or
silversmith, a lumber agent, a university professor, or something of
this nature.
The wife may
have had help about the house, but does not look to be of a station in
life to be too far removed from work herself. Perhaps she had someone
to cook and do the wash while she tended to the other household tasks
herself. Perhaps she had someone come in to do the baking or other
tasks which required a special hand. She may have assisted her
husband if he was a business or store owner.