By Madge R. Walsh (1983)
Emma Richardson's graduation dress, kid gloves, feather fan and diploma were among the family heirlooms and treasures bequeathed to Florence R. Street and then to Madge R. Walsh.*
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| Emma Richardson, Hamline University graduation, 1888 |
The dress, all handmade, is of lovely, fine wool challis, aged to a cream color. The separate basque bodice is boned and lined, the seams bound or hand pinked; The front closing has sturdy, hidden hooks and eyes as well as covered buttons. Yoke and false sleeves are of pure silk, gathered into pleats. The skirt fastens in the back, the placket hidden by half-inch cartridge pleats which create a bustle effect, and emphasize the tiny waist. The underskirt is of lightweight linen, with a four-inch border of challis and a nine inches of heavy linen stiffening at the hem.
Three bands of two-and-one-quarter-inch wide silk grosgrain ribbon with satin edges have replaced the decorative braid on the skirt, though the design motif guidelines can still be seen on the wrong side of the fabric. This probably made the outfit more suitable for "ordinary" wear.
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| Emma's university diploma |
*The whereabouts of the dress are currently unknown
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