1879 Graduation Dress

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1879 Graduation Ensemble
#VC1984001
 
worn in 1879
silk, cotton, mother of pearl, metal, wood
Gift of the granddaughter of Sallie Tucker Blake, VC Class of 1879
 
This ivory silk bustle dress was worn by Sallie Tucker Blake for her Commencement exercises at Vassar in 1879. When this donation came to us, it was noted that Miss Blake (later Mrs. Josiah Drummond of Maine) also carried a bouquet of Jacqueminot roses, as large bouquets were common for graduates at that time. We also have a short cape that was worn with this outfit. Over the past year, several students and faculty members have had a hand in the sewing necessary to back almost all of the lace with net to stabilize it so it could be mounted for display.