History & Notes: This iridescent gown was worn by Dinah Lucy Portas for her wedding to George Thompson in Lincolnshire, England, in November of 1860. Dinah and George made their way to America in 1871 with their young children. The family made it as far west as Denver and it was here that Dinah and George's daughter, Jennie, married Alfred Harris Higgins. Jennie and Alfred continued the progress west to Idaho in 1902 where they lived in the Nampa and Boise areas for the rest of their lives. Jennie brought her mother's dress with her and it was passed down to her son, Robert, who then donated the heirloom to the Idaho State Historical Society in 1988.
Description: Brown and blue iridescent silk taffeta; lace trim at neck edge; ten round white buttons down bodice front; deep "V" shaped waist; skirt fully gathered with cartridge pleats; bell shaped pagoda sleeves with dark blue velvet trim; back hook and eye closure; maroon woven wool strip around hem; tiny inseam pocket on front left of skirt.
Object Number: 1988.081.0001
Object: dress
Category: Women's Garments
Circa: 1850
Materials: silk, cotton, metal, wool
Donor: Robert E. Higgins