Western Kentucky Farm Women, 1862

[sigsaye]

In about a year, a friend of ours will be hosting an event on her farm. This will be an authentic event our friend and my wife would like to "observe" (from a distance, not to interfere) on horseback. I have only ever participated as military and have no clue about civilian attire. So, my question is, what would a Western Kentucky Farm Wife who rides daily and works the fields, be wearing as every day wear on a farm in 1862?

Is there a web site I can go to to find this info?

Thanks,
Steve Hesson

[Elaine Kessinger]

Re: Western Kentucky Farm Women, 1862

She'd wear typical attire for women of the era in fabrics sturdy enough to handle hard use.
She'll need, from the skin out:

chemise
drawers
corset
stockings
shoes
at least 3, starched petticoats
dress with protective collar or kerchief (or both)
properly styled hair
slat or corded sunbonnet

"Defining the Work Dress" by Elizabeth Stewart Clark: http://www.thesewingacademy.com/wp-c...0Workdress.pdf
You will be told she needs a "work dress", "camp dress", or "wash dress" and this article explains those terms.

"The Best Bet Wardrobe" by Elizabeth Stewart Clark: http://www.thesewingacademy.com/wp-c...2010BetBet.pdf
This gives further info on the various pieces and why they are important to the over-all silhouette.

...and just like we can't give a cotton kepi and cap gun to a fellow to portray a soldier, we can't stick any long skirt on a woman to portray a citizen.

[I will see if I can get a few horsewomen of my acquaintance to comment on adjustments that need made for a woman to ride astride in the 19th century.]

[Elaine Kessinger]

Re: Western Kentucky Farm Women, 1862

Dr. Anita Henderson has chimed in. She suggests that she may be wearing a riding habit. If that is a direction you'd like to go, Past Patterns makes a pattern series: #900, #901, #902

http://www.pastpatterns.com/900.html

http://www.pastpatterns.com/901.html

For a lower class portrayal, some modifications may be made to a worn out dress to fashion a habit more cheaply.

Understand that side-saddle was the usual form for women, so astride is uncommon... way out west or of a class to be unconcerned with societal decorum.

More from me:
Since the goal of your friends dressing out is to minimize the visual impact on fellow participants when seen from afar, perhaps the lady would be more comfortable dressing as a male rider. Yes, we want to discourage the blatant disguises, but we don't want to overwhelm friends with a "whole different world" all at once, especially without an experienced horsewoman to advise her on riding in period clothing safely.

[sigsaye]

Re: Western Kentucky Farm Women, 1862

Thank you for your input ladys. We are looking at the lower end of the lower working class farm women. In 1862, this area was very rough. We do understand how people dressed at that time, and have looked at some photos. A "Riding Habit" and side saddle are pretty well out of the question. Much too high in station. And we're talking farm plow horses (not really, but that will be their impression ��). The organizer is ok with the ladys observing, and does not expect them to dress out. But I have been a member of this forum since it started and on the "Dark Side" of the hobby before that. We want to make sure the participants have a good experience. Again, thank you all