Figure 1.--The children's and misses' suits were made for two overlapping age groups for 4-16 years. The use of the term "children" for the younger styles is confusing, but probably means younger girls. These suits seem recogniazably girls' styles.
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Figure 1.--The children's and misses' suits were made for two overlapping age groups for 4-16 years. The use of the term "children" for the younger styles is confusing, but probably means younger girls. These suits seem recogniazably girls' styles. |
At this time HBC does not know the date of this catalog, but believes it was the early 1880s, perhaps late 1870s. These skirted garments are probably referred to as suits because they had jacket like garments which were made in the same material as the skirted part of the garment. Curriosly, outfits for two different age groups are mixed on this and two other similar pages. Altman on page 46 offered skirted suits for two age groups, 4 to 12 years and 10 to 16 years. Note the overlap between the sizes. The younger children's styles have shorter skirts and more recognizeable jackets. These suits are mostly dark colors, primarily brown, blue, and gray, but there are also some lighter, brughter colrs offered.
There are few clues in the drawings of the younger children as hair styles could be misleading. One child is shown with a hoop. Usually boys are pictured with hoops, but girls played with them as well. It seems curious, however, to show a child in a suit playing with a hoop. HBC tends to believe, however, that as the children's suits are made to size 12 that they were probably meant for girls.
Four different styles are offered in the younger styles.
"Coat of Heavy Plaid Cloth, shirred?? in front ar waist and neck, and fastened with ribbons, back laid in plaits." Sizes, 6, 8, 10, and 12 yrs. Prices $9.25-11.25. Note the interesting double ribbon style. HBC has not noted that in photographic images.
"One Piece Cashmere Suit, trimmed with garnet velvet, navy blue with garnet, gray with garnet, garnet with navy blue, plaited "Fedora" of velvet, also collar and cuffs." Sizes, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 yrs. Prices $8.25-10.25. The term "Fedora" means that large horizontal wist cloth at the front.
"One Piece Suit of Red, Navy, or Light Blue Cashmere, "Mother Hubbard" three clusters of tucks in skirt part." Sizes, 4, 6, 8, and 10 yrs. Prices $4.90-6.50.
"One Piece Suit of Green or Brown Velveteen and Silk, "Fedora" front of silk, held close to the dress under a band of velvet; coat back." Sizes, 4, 6, 8, and 10 yrs. Prices $7.75-9.75.
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