History & Notes: This little boy's dress was made by Lily Grace Calkins Gossi for her son Lawrence in 1904. Born in Iowa in 1878, Lily and her family made the trek west to Idaho when she was only three years old. Initially trying their hand at ranching in Arco, family was driven out by mosquitoes and instead settled in central Idaho. Lilly grew up in the untamed wilderness of Idaho, stepping in to help with the family ventures whether it was driving cattle or running a hotel. At 16, she was sent to her sister's home in Montana to learn dressmaking, a skill she would use often throughout her life. Lilly married Carlos Gossi in 1898 and in 1901 their son, Lourence, was born. In 1904, Lilly made this lovely dress for Lourence. He kept it all his life and in 1992, his wife, Roma Gossi, donated the piece to the Idaho State Historical Society.
Description: Green and purple plaid dress for a small child. Dress is long sleeved and has an insert of green wool at the neckline and cuffs with the same material at the drop waist in a belt detail. Sleeves are gathered at the shoulders. Upper chest of the dress is pleated with three lines of three shell buttons across the breast. Pleated material is released over the torso for a blousing effect before it is gathered at the waist. Belted detail features an over sized shell button over sewn in tie with short tails hanging below. Skirt features pleats framing a center straight panel and continuing around to the back. Rear hook and eye closure. Interior is completely lined with a brownish tan cotton.
Object Number: 1992.078.0001
Object: dress
Category: Children's Garments
Circa: 1900
Materials: wool, cotton
Donor: GOSSI, ROMA