2009 Record shot by L. Baumgarten. Shift.

Images(2)

Shift

Date1810-1820

OriginAmerica, Massachusetts (probably)

Medium(Materials Identified by Microscope) Linen; Silk Thread (Marking Stitches); Cotton Threads (Construction)

DimensionsLength: 43 ½"; Width (at Hem): 33 ¼"; Width (at Sleeves): 30 ¼"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2009-102

DescriptionWoman's chemise or shift of plain-woven white linen, constructed with short ungathered sleeves 6 ¼" long and underarm gussets. Wide squared neckline with shoulder straps over top of arm. Center front of chemise has red marking stitch initials reading MCC (or WCC). A small, finished eyelet at back of the gown on the interior left corner of the neckline could indicate that there was once a drawstring. Body is cut without a waistline seam, shaped to widen from neckline to hem. Triangular gores stitched to proper left side of skirt widen it. Hem ¾" deep. Darts are taken in the bodice from the outer corners of the neckline extending down about 7 ¼" into bodice. Except for darts, all raw edges are carefully enclosed and closely stitched.

Construction History:
1. 1810-1820: Initially Constructed
2. Unknown Date: Darts at bodice a later alteration
MarkingsCenter front of chemise has red marking stitch initials reading MCC (or WCC)
ProvenanceInformation from the Vendor:
"The linen lot I bought was consigned by Mary Stanton Plowden-Wardlaw. Plowden-Wardlaw was her second married name. She was from New Bedford. Her mother was a Dimon. (the SDCF initials - Sarah Dimon Chapmen Frances) The Dimon's come from Hartford. She told me everyone down the line was either a Sarah or a Mary. An other aunt was Sarah Carey and she was from Martha's Vineyard. She mentioned a Mary Cary Dimon Chapman (on another note) was from Martha's Vineyard also.
The 2 lines of the family that I am aware of were Captain's of Whaling Boats (from New Bedford/ Martha's Vineyard); one other line were owners of cotton mills in North Adams, Massachusetts, I believe. The batch of clothes I bought were a compilation of a number of different family lines.
Were I to guess, I would say Massachusetts in general, and perhaps in the North Adams or New Bedford area." (e-mail correspondence to Linda Baumgarten, November 3, 2009.)