From Head to Toe -18th Century Clothing at Pottsgrove Manor

Pottsgrove Manor would like to thank Chris and Megan Cascio for their support of the"From Head to Toe" exhibit. In addition, special thanks goes to Stephen Hague, Laurie Stutren and the National Society of Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at Stenton, Philadelphia for their generous loan of original pieces of 18th century clothing from their collection.
We also thank the Historical Society of Delaware and Chuck Beale for their generous loan of original pieces. And finally, we gratefully thank all the volunteers who have put in hundreds of hours in making this exhibit possible.
Every item in the exhibit gallery is original to the 18th century period. They are from the following collections: Charles Beale, Suellen Tatrai, Lynn Symborski, The Historical Society of Delaware, The Pottstown Historical Society, National Society of Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at Stenton, Philadelphia,

Menswear

The Men's section of the Originals Room shows the "basics" and the variety of clothing that a man could have in his wardrobe.

Far right: A heavily embroidered fine wool Court suit coat is probably of European origin.

Hanging on the wall are tan linen and black silk breeches and an embroidered waistcoat.

A rare, ivory silk quilted banyan, similar in shape to a kimono, is shown in the corner.

Shown, top center: an American man's suit of brown wool, with a pin-striped silk waistcoat. Right of that, a man's linen shirt. The various elegant waistcoats are done with silk embroidery on silk fabric or made of specialized, fine fabrics, such as silk plush and metallic threads.

Ladies Dresses

The front two gowns are from the latter part of the 18th century, done in delicately woven silks. Both are the Robe a l'Anglaise style, and have long trains, that were most likely poufed and polonaised up for wear.
The middle dress is c. 1800-1085, worn by a Montgomery County bride, is in a cotton gauze, with tambour embroidery.

18th century Fans and Fashion prints can be seen on the wall. Gown on right has an ivory silk quilted petticoat.

SIde view of tambour embroidered gown,showing long train;
back of striped silk dress.

Detail of man's Court suit Coat
Silk embroidery on wool fabric; Silk waistcoat

Blue striped silk Robe a L'anglaise, with manufactured silk quited petticoat and gauze apron

Lady's
Accessories

An original silk Calash, a stiffened hood-like headdress, using wicker-like caning to hold the large round shape above the high hairdo's of the 18th century lady.

A lady's elegant cape, done in silk brocade, probably re-used from an earlier garment, as it is heavily pieced.
Decorated with braided guimpe.

Detail of C.1800 gown. Some tambbour-work can be seen, as well as the center front drawstring tie. The dress closes in back with two ribbon ties on the back bodice		Detail of Silk banyan. Note cuffs and the T-shaped, kimono-like draping on the figure.

Detail of Silk Gown- Robe a l'Anglaise style.
Ivory silk with small floral pattern, delicate net trimming; worn polonaised

Lady's silk gown and quilted petticoat
Two Linen chemises

		One of the enclosed cases showing 18th century items, including jewelery, a necessaire, fans, ladies garters, a corset busk, and shoes