This is a dress (actually a skirt and top) that belonged to my great-grandmother Esther Lee (Richardson) Talbott. It is pictured in the condition I received it. In truth, I'm not quite sure how to preserve it without doing harm to it. Mostly it appears to need a good washing and ironing. I estimate its age to be about around 90 years old.
Esther was quite the seamstress. The above picture is of the cuff of the sleeve. It is difficult to tell in the picture, but the quality of her sewing was exceptional! Look at those straight and even stitches.
An interesting thing about genealogy. My ancestors often seem bigger than life to me when I am researching. I know what Esther looked like as I have numerous photos of her. I just never thought about her actual size. Based on this dress, she was a rather small woman. I believe she was no taller than I and likely a bit shorter (i.e. less than 5'4"). She also had a very tiny waist.
How fortunate our family is to have these items of Esther's. Her personal items tell the short story of her life more fully and more colorfully than could be told from just the official records.
This little toddler's outfit was worn by Garnet Talbott, son of Bossy and Esther Lee Talbott. The outfit is not in the best of conditions, but my great-grandmother's sewing skills are still clearly evident. Below you can see the detail of the stitching and the button holes.
