Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Dress |
Subject |
1920s Ceremonies Clothing Clothing (women) Community Activities & Events May Day Women |
Category |
3: Personal Artifacts |
Sub-category |
Clothing -- Outerwear |
Accession Number |
1991.014.001 |
Donor |
Marguerite Chace |
Description |
May Day dress; worn by Maguerite and sister Annabelle on May Day 1925; white lawn material; tucks and lace down front from neck; lace and ribbon sewn in strips around waist and hip area of dress; ribbon in bow at waist front; flowers painted around bottom of skirt lace on bottom edge of skirt; good condition. |
Provenance |
The May Queen symbolizes the return of springtime, and is chosen by the community to be central to the May Day celebrations. The May Queen is adorned with a floral crown, and leads the festivities, walking or riding in the May Day parade. This outfit was worn by May Queen Annabelle Haigh during the 1941 May Day celebrations, held at the Mission Fairgrounds. Her sister, Marguerites Chace (nee Haigh) wore this dress in 1925 when she also carried the May Queen title. The cotton dress features hand-painted floral designs and lace trim, with a crochet slip underneath. May Queen gowns are typically white and designed with delicate fabrics to symbolize youth and purity. |
Accession number |
1991.014 |