Images(4)

Lifter, Skirt

Object number2014.96.2

Date1879-1900

MediumMetal/Fabric/Leather/Cord

Credit LineGift of Sue Corcoran

DescriptionSkirt lifter, also known as a dress holder. Design consists of two round silver-tone metal medallions joined together inside by metal supports. Each medallion features a decorative relief of an eastern/Asian scene with geometric design around the perimeter. Two-pronged metal pincers are threaded through the center of the medallions; the pincers are joined below the medallions with a pin-hinge, then they curve out, ending in round metal discs with leather-faced pads on the inside. Threaded through the top metal support inside the medallions is a metal ring that has a black fabric cord looped through. The cord is twisted and has two knots near the metal ring and several knots at the opposite end.Dimensions1.688 x 0.875 x 35.5 in. (4.3 x 2.2 x 90.2 cm)
Historical NotesSkirt lifter that belonged to the Morgan family. The skirt lifter, also called a dress holder, was tied around the waist. The lifter held up the skirt for walking, biking, or aesthetic purposes. The accessory was most popular from 1860 to 1880 but existed some 20 years before and after. The Morgans were Welsh immigrants. They came to Pittsburgh to work in the steel mills after working in the coal mines in Wales and living in Monmouth in Wales where the donor Sue Corcoran's great grandfather was the parish organist. The men immigrated first and then the women in circa 1885, including the donor's great grandmother and her two daughters age 6 and 4. The 6-year-old, Edith Minnie-May Morgan Dornbush, is the donor's grandmother and quite possibly the owner of the skirt lifter. The donor's great grandfather played the organ at the Christian Science Church every Sunday in the Pittsburgh area.

Previous ownerPossibly Edith Minnie-May Morgan Dornbrush

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