Rensselaer Union, Volume 7, Number 3, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 October 1874 — The Costumes and Manners of the Good Old Times. [ARTICLE]

The Costumes and Manners of the Good Old Times.

The tradesmen before the Revolution were a different race from the present. They were none of them ashamed of their leather aprons. Faded buckskin breeches, once radiant in yellow splendors, checked shirts, and red flannel jackets were the common wear of most working-men. All the hired women wore short gowns and linsey-woolsey petticoats. Calfskin shoes were the exclusive property of the gentry. The servants wore cowhide. Toothbrushes were The better sort were content to rub the teeth with a ’chalked rag or with snuff. It was commonly thought effeminate for men to clean the teeth at all. Not only the roystering cavalier but the quiet citizens were fond of a certain bravery in dress. Men wore cocked hats and wigs, coats with large cuffs and big skirts, lined and stiffened with buckram. The coat of a beau had three large plaits in the skirts, wadded profusely to keep them smooth, with low collars to show off the fine linen cambric stock, and the largest silver buckle on the back of the neck. The shirt was ruffled to the wrists. The breeches had silver, stone or paste buckles. Gold or silver sleeve-buttons, set with stones, were generally worn. No cotton fabrics were then known. Stockings were of thread or silk in summer and of worsted in winter. Surtouts were never worn, but they had cloth great-coats instead, or brown camlet cloaks, with green baize lining. In the time of the Revolution many of the American officers introduced the use of Dutch blankets for great-coats. In winter gentlemen wore little woolen muffs to protect their hands. It was net uncommon to see old people with large silver buttons on their coats and vests, with their initials engraved on each button. The ladies all wore large pockets under their gowns, and white aprons. No color but black was ever made up for silk or satin bonnets. Fancy colors were unknown and white silk bonnets had never been seen. The use of lace veils did not commence tffl the present century. Ladies’ shoes were made of silk or russet, stitched with white waxed thread and having wooden heels. The sole-leather was worked with the flesh side out. Subscription balls became very fashionable soon after the Revolution. No gentleman under twenty-one and no lady under eighteen was admitted. The supper mnsisted of tea, chocolate and rusks. Everything was opnducted by six married managers. They distributed places by lot and arranged the partners for the evening. The gentlemen drank tea with the parents of their partners the day after the ball, which gave the chance for a more lasting acquaintance.—AT. T. Graphic.