Dress

Object number2007.34.4 a,b

Datec. 1900

MediumSatin; velvet; lace; metal; bone(?)

Credit LineGift of Shirley Schmunk

DescriptionTwo-piece handmade dress comprised of bodice and skirt. Blue and beige patterned satin bodice. High neck, lined with lace. Puffed shoulders; long sleeves. Blue velvet lining on flap which crosses chest to hook near proper left shoulder. Proper right edge of flap lined with ruffled blue velvet down to waistline which is also lined with velvet. Flap covered in beige lace and tulle, lined behind with beige satin. Inside bodice boned with loop hooks. Cuffs trimmed in lace. Floor length, full skirt. Material matches bodice. Metal loop hooks in back down skirt. Inside lined with beige cotton. Black velvet trim on bottom hem. Red/green satin trim around inner bottom lining.Dimensions(a) Width at Shoulders-- 22; at Waist--11; of Puffed Sleeve-- approx. 5 ... Length--19; of Sleeves (including puff)--25
(b) Width at Waist--13.5 ... Length--40
Historical NotesDonor Shirley Schmunk is unsure if dress was worn by Charlotte Knaur Edgar or her mother, Mary Knaur; however, the style of dress indicates a late 1890s-early 1900s date. Charlotte Knaur was the daughter of Dr. Christian and Mary Knaur. Christian was a physician while Mary worked as a translator for a lawyer. Both were German immigrants who came to Pittsburgh via Beaver County. While living in Pittsburgh, the Knaurs lived in the city's East End, including Wilkinsburg and Edgewood. Charlotte Knaur married George Sutton Edgar on September 30, 1897. They had two daughters: one named Charlotte, born in 1898, and a second, who died in infancy. Charlotte Knaur lived at 58 Henry Street in Shadyside at the time of her marriage. By 1900, Charlotte and Edgar were divorced in a very publicized manner.

Previous ownerPossibly Charlotte Knaur Edgar

Previous ownerPossibly Mary Knaur

Related person Dr. Christian Knaur

Related person George Sutton Edgar

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