Gold on Gold: 1910 Gown for Mary Stull Studebaker of South Bend, IN
This full-length gown was a throwback in 1910. Mary Stull Studebaker, who was in her 70s and celebrating her 50th wedding anniversary, opted for a style that was more like a late 19th century look. Not so much in the bodice which was more relaxed than the “wallpaper on the wall” look which was common in the late 19th century. But the high neckline brought lower only through the use of lace and the breadth at the shoulders with tight sleeves are reminiscent of an earlier era when the silhouette was an exaggerated hour glass.
There is no information on the maker of this gown which is a pity. As you can see, it combined gold satin and gold lace with hand-embroidered netting in a combination of geometric and floral motifs, and chiffon softened and overlaid the long satin skirt and also the sleeves which had gathering lines running along their length. A truly remarkable creation which shows how magnificent single-color harmonies can be.
Interestingly, the gown may have been more of a success than the marriage. The South Bend History Museum curators tell us that Mrs. Studebaker spent her anniversary evening out on her own as she was tired of Mr. J.M. Studebaker spending nights at the office or out without her. And she refused to tell him where she went!
Unveiled: Wedding Traditions runs through January 8th at the South Bend History Museum: https://www.historymuseumsb.org/see-do/exhibits-2/
