The Saint Paul Globe

DRESSES OF THE LONG AGO

PEEP AT COLONIAL DAMES' ASSOCIATION'S COLLECTION IN THE NATIONAL MUSEUM

THE STYLES BEING REVIVED

A Reception Robe That Was Worn by Lord Fairfax Among the Number of Articles.

WASHINGTON, April 23.-(Special.)- As dress is one of the most important factors of woman's possessions it would be well worth their while to take a peep at the collection of things feminine which has been loaned by the ladies of the Colonial Dames' Association of the District of Columbia to the National museum. The styles of these costumes are being somewhat revived today, and it is interesting to study them. In one of the cases devoted to this display is a dress of green and white striped satin, with pink roses embroidered in it. It would be a difficult matter to describe it accurately, so all that can be said is that it is made in a very elaborate style which some modistes predict will be very popular in the near future. On a chair which no doubt belonged to some of our colonial ancestors is an all-over lace gown very much like these princess dresses which are so much worn now, with the exception that the fastenings are in front. Another dress is of white satin made empire style, and may have served as an evening dress, being cut low in the neck, with just a band of satin across the shoulder. A large white satin poke bonnet, trimmed with handsome plumes, and the fine lace shawl or scarf, which is folded up carefully and placed near, doubtless complete this costume. The bonnet especially resembles the one which was worn by Julia Marlowe in "Barbara Frietchie." Still another gown is seen. This is a rich black satin, which is said to have been worn by some distinguished colonial dame in Pennsylvania, and differs from the others in that it is almost simplicity itself. None of those trimmings which seem so necessary to a dress now are seen in this plain, full skirt, with its short train, and a waist that fitted the wearer, in all probability, as though she had been moulded into it. The only part of this outfit which tends towards elaborateness is the large pink poke with its bright pink roses and green foliage, and the long ribbons for tying. This lends color to the otherwise somber costume. Among this collection is seen something which, while it appears to be an article of feminine apparel, really was the property of Lord Fairfax, and was worn by him as a reception robe. This looks like the robes which are worn by the Japanese and is similar in that it is embroidered in gold. The material is very heavy, rich, green silk, and must have been very costly in its day. If one could take the time to examine all the interesting things of this kind, and, in fact, any of the many things which are constantly claiming the attention of visitors, it would occupy more than a day in each room in order to get a thorough knowledge of what they contain.

-J. S. Van Antwerp.