History & Notes: This dress was worn as a wedding gown by Mary Elizabeth Collins when she married Jerimiah "Jerry" Hannifin on November 15, 1888 in Jerusalem, Idaho. Mamie and Jerry Lived in Horseshoe Bend until about 1900, when they moved here to Boise where they lived until their deaths in 1952. Mamie's Grandson, Everett Reagan, donated his grandmother's wedding dress to the Idaho State Historical Society in 2015.
Description: Two piece gown includes bodice and skirt made of burgundy faille and damask. Bodice is made of two tones of burgundy faille Inset triangular pleats create a small puffed sleeve on each shoulder and triangular pleats across the shoulder give added dimension and contrast. Sleeves are long and closely fitted. Front closure of 14 buttons. Buttons are disc shaped and have a metal edged face with a textured burgundy ground over which a faceted cluster of metal dots sits. The dots are framed by organic scroll work and a five petaled flower. Bodice seams at back and sides have been let out. Skirt features a bustle element at back which drapes from a voluminous gather at the waist. Rear and side panels of a burgundy silk damask with a floral design are divided by a pleated panel of the same burgundy faille of the bustle and bodice. Center panel features a bloused and gathered portion below the waist band, a smocked section below the gathers, and a flat pleated section that begins halfway down the skirt and continues to the hem. Ensemble lined in lightweight brown cotton. Skirt closes with a side hook and eye panel.
Object Number: 2015.013.0000
Object: dress --gown, wedding
Category: Women's Garments
Circa: 1880
Materials: silk, metal, cotton
Donor: Everett Reagan