Exhibition
Centuries
of Childhood
Alumni Gallery,
September 27, 2000 to September 31, 2001
Anne Bissonnette,
Curator
Children's garments from 1930 to 1945
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Boy's brown wool snowsuit with hood United States of America, Ohio, Akron, c.1935 Unlined double-breasted brown wool jacket and pants with green elasticized waist and brown knit cuffs. Hood lined in cotton flannel. Label reads "Sport-tee Jog's, M. Liman Mfg. Co., Minneapolis". Worn by the donor in Akron, Ohio. Kent State University Museum, Gift of Gerald McFadden in memory of Mary Butin McFadden, KSUM 2000.4.5a-c |
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Yellow and orange swimsuit United States of America, c.1932 Yellow and orange wool jersey swimsuit and belt. Upper portion appliquéd with bunnies on a seesaw. Worn by the donor. Kent State University Museum, Gift of Gerald McFadden in memory of Mary Butin McFadden, KSUM 2000.4.11ab |
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In the 20th century, a radical simplification of children's garments occurred. A new educational system aimed at the middle classes often required school uniforms, which were based on tailored and more easily mass-produced styles. The introduction of gymnastics and outdoor activities for children of both sexes also fostered several types of unrestrictive garments. During WW I, hemlines were raised, uniforms were widespread and children were put into practical, sensible clothes. Since women's styles became shorter and simpler in the 1920s, little was left to distinguish their clothes from those of their daughters. The new cult for sports and fresh air found adults adopting many types of garments that had previously been reserved for their children's playtime.
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Girl's ivory dress with blue and red trim United States of America, c.1930-35 Ivory linen dress with cap sleeves. Opens at center front with a mother of pearl button over blue and red insets. Label reads "Sax=Made, Age 5". Worn by the donor in Akron, Ohio. Kent State University Museum, Gift of Mrs. Harry McDonald, KSUM 1986.103.173 |
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Girl's floral dress with white collar United States of America, c.1920s Red, yellow and blue floral print dress with white collar and cuffs edged in red. Made by Esther Davis, a Cleveland dressmaker for children in business from the late 1920s to the early 1950s. Kent State University Museum, Gift of Mary, Katie and Mollie Gallagher, KSUM 1986.103.273
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Girl's beige embroidered dress United States of America, c.1936-38 Light beige cotton dress with cap sleeves, patch pockets and belt. Worn by the donor in Akron, Ohio. Kent State University Museum, Gift of Mrs. Harry McDonald, 1986.103.182ab |
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Girl's pink organdy dress United States of America, c.1936-38 Pink organdy party dress with cartwheel sleeves trimmed with ivory braid applied to hem and to the sleeves and collar. Self-fabric sash with silk flower rosette. Worn by the donor in Akron, Ohio. Kent State University Museum, Gift of Mrs. Harry McDonald, 1986.103.189ab |
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Girl's dusty pink wool ensemble United States of America, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, fall 1940 Girl's wool coat, skirt and cap. Hand-woven and sewn by Harriet Louise Jones Jenny for her daughter, Paula Jenny (Mealy). Kent State University Museum, Offered gift of Paula Mealy, KSUM T00.50.70ac |
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Navy wool sailor suit United States of America, c.1945 Navy wool sailor suit with pleated American flag at breast pocket. Pants have wide legs, drop front and 13 buttons closing. Worn by the donor in Cleveland, Ohio. Kent State University Museum, Gift of Lloyd Max Bunker, KSUM 1999.26.1a-e |
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