Under the Eves

Storage and Workspace - - SERVANTS' WORKROOM

Pottsgrove Manor was a large enough house -and household - to have the luxury of space within the building that could be used as a storeroom or workroom. While this was not part of the private "family" section of the house, nor was it a public area, a large space such as this room would have been used for multiple purposes, from sewing or spinning to repairing or creating household goods, depending on the tasks needing to be done.

#46 MIDDLE CLASS BOY c. 1700

As has already been depicted in this exhibit, children were often dressedas miniature adults. This child's outfit echoes the fashionable lines of the day.

The fine black wool coat has the full skirts and full cuffs of an adult's, along with a multitude of buttons. Wool is also used for the striped waistcoat, with linen for the breeches. The coat pattern was taken from The Cut Of Men's Clothes 1600-1900 by Norah Waugh (diagram XVII). ST

#47 WORKING CLASS GOWN c. 1680-1710

This 3/4 length wool gown was a frugal attempt at fashionable clothing in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The shortened version required less material and the simple tucks, which echoed the elaborate folds of the mantua, required less skill to create.

The sleeves also approximated the fashionable cuff. A wide scooped neckline echoes the previous fashion for boned bodices. Fitted shortened gowns were used by servants and as charity school uniforms. This example was created based on several period etchings with details taken from a 1680 painting by Peter Thornton. ST

#48 MIDDLE CLASS MANTUA

c. 1680-1710

The next level above a shortened gown was a simple mantua. This was similar to the fashionable mantua (see #1), but usually had less pleating and no train.

This version is in serviceable wool. Stripes were a favorite decoration and it was customary to use them vertically on the gown and horizontally on the matching petticoat. A black silk hood, common to all classes in this period, would be worn indoors as well as outdoors for protection from the sun and cold.

The hood is based on period paintings and etchings. The mantua is a simplified version of an original in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. ST

Slaves' Quarters -- --UNDER THE EVES

The attic spaces of large houses were traditionally the 'left-over' areas where servants, household slaves, and sometimes, the children of the family were housed. It is obvious from the inclusion of a fireplace in the room that this was intended as a living space for the Potts' servants. Though the low-ceilings made for cramped quarters, and the topmost floors were hot in summer and cold in winter, those who lived in the two-room apartment had, at least, a measure of comfort and a sort of communal privacy in their all-too-scarce "off-duty" hours.

#49 WOMEN'S UNDERWEAR
c.18th century

Both upper and lower class women wore the same styleof underclothes, the difference between classes being in the fabrics.

The primary undrgarment, called a chemise, was worn next to the skin to absorb body oils and protect the outer clothing. Several petticoats were worn for warmth or to create a fashionable fullness.

A very inexpensive version of the typical sewn fabric stays are shown.(see #3) To carry around the necessities of life, a separate pocket (often made in pairs) tied around the waist and could be accessed through slits in the petticoat.

Stockings were knitted of wool, silk or less commonly of cotton and were tied at the knee with string garters.