1940s Yellow Crepe Dress

Collarless, cut-on long, dolman sleeves with underarm gussets. Hem edge of sleeve with vertical gathered section and dark brown elongated inset similar to shape of new moon. Three self fabric covered buttons on each sleeve with thread loop closures.
Fitted waistline and waistline seam. Dark brown angled inset from center front bodice seam to bust forming inverted V shape in front bodice. Curved overlap at front neck above point of inverted V. Six inch zipper at center back neck. Left side zipper opening in dart. Wide once inch seams throughout including waistline seam. Underlined front bodice.

Four gore back skirt. Skirt front is one piece with fine gathers four inches wide at center front but stitched down 1" deep/long. Moderate flare to skirt, especially from gathered area at center front of skirt.
Belt: One inch side self fabric belt in pumpkin with brown looped sections on each end of belt.

HCT.1991.655.17ab

This dress belonged to Dorothy Bell Whiley Peters. Dorothy was born in Lancaster, Ohio in 1891. Her father, Charles Bell Whiley, worked as lawyer in Lancaster. Dorothy married Philip Rising Peters in 1914. While Philip would pass away in 1954, Dorothy would live to be 100 years old. She was a member of the Columbus Circle of the National Society of Colonial Dames in the State of Ohio. Dorothy was also a lover of poetry and her children published a collection of her work after her passing.

Dolman Sleeve

Acetate

1940-1949

Brown, Yellow