History & Notes: Mary Lesser extensively collected historic clothing from the 19th and 20th centuries. She understood the importance of period fashion to the story of Idaho's history and donated many of her pieces to the Idaho State Historical Society throughout the years. In 2006, her son Rob Lesser donated more of his mother's pieces to the society after her passing.
Description: Floor length cotton floral print day dress. Print is of vignettes of red and blue flowers on a ground of small abstract blooms in a fugitive purple dye that has largely faded to brown. Dropped shoulders have pleats which are carried through on the bodice until they end in a V-point at the center line where they are secured with a length of top stitching. Center bodice is joined with a line of piping. Waist of bodice comes to a slight V-point over gathered full skirt. Long bishop sleeves feature a band of tight pleats at the shoulders secured with lines of chain stitching. Full skirt features a wide hem. Hook and eye closure at back, the components of which look to be of several different ages.
Object Number: 2006.034.0007
Object: dress
Category: Women's Garments
Circa: 1830
Materials: textile
Donor: Rob Lesser