Costume of The California Gold Rush
1849-1859
Red type by Floyd D. P. Øydegaard
|
Costume of The California Gold Rush 1849-1859
|
|
INTRODUCTION
I am not going to assume or quote from modern historians nor from folk who dress in period costumes. I'm simply going to share (as I discover them) comments by individuals about clothing etc. worn between 1849 and 1859. WITH a bibliography after each comment.
If you have a period source and wish to include it please send me an email Please note that in most cases there isn't a "final word" on this subject. Images barely cover 10% of what was, while journals, letters & etc. cover even less.
The variety of ethnic costumes would be as diverse as the variety of cultures from the all parts of the world, as the world came to the gold fields.
Where Did They buy Their Clothing?
Due to the variety of body shapes, women generally made all their own dresses and men's shirts. However men could find ready made clothing at Fancy Dry Goods & Clothing Stores. Mrs. Elizabeth Gunn writes in 1851, "Lewis has not seen any of these dresses ("bloomer dress") yet, and wanted to go into a store in San Francisco to see some." Which seems to state that some "ready mades" were available in the city.
Mrs. Gunn of Sonora writes in 1851, "Lewis sends his shirts out. (for cleaning.) He has some calico shirts, which are all the fashion here."
Mrs. Gunn of Sonora writes in 1851, "It is very common to see men wearing a red woolen shirt over their pants; they wear a cotton one under it."
Trousers, Breeches. & Pantaloons
There are a variety of styles and I will soon describe.
"India Rubber" or "Vulconized Rubber" was available for hats and boots (shoes), as well as other items. The Arabia Museum has wonderful 1856 samples.
"Street Walkers" were
common in larger cities! fact is there was a whole class system
among the prostitutes from House to crib to streets.
Images of prostitutes could be an image
of your Aunt Gertrude. They dressed like everyone else.
Even the "60 virtuous females in Sonora"
that Elizabeth Gunn mentions would have worn the silks and latest
fashions of Paris.
Mrs. Gunn never owned a "Bloomer Dress" and her daughter states. "This daring costume, consisting of conventional tight-fitting waist, skirt about twelve inches from the floor, and Turkish trousers, was advocated in 1849 by Mrs. Amelia Jenks Bloomer, an early worker for women's rights....We still have Aunt Mary's dark green silk costume, which she never had the courage to wear in public." (page 151)
My note here is, what a revelation when I discovered that the Spanish words, "for the sun," is parasol
Stockings: fine knitted, openwork, embroidered, or striped. They came above the knee and were gartered with knitted garters with leather or silk ends which buckled around the leg.
Reticules or purses were worn, and were usually small drawstring or clasp bags. However, with the full skirts of the time, it was more common for purses to be kept in pockets.
Baskets were used for carrying shopping, and a moderate sized one is good for holding anachronisms under a cloth. Paper bags were not yet common, and purchases were generally wrapped in paper, either brown or striped in colors, and tied with string. A few packages in a basket make good props.
Women wore the same glasses that men wore, maybe some were smaller. See my page on specticles A man who calls himself "Otter" has had made a pair of specs that work well with the 1850s. I have seen his product at Sutter's Fort, CA. They are close to these. I was lucky to find cheap originals before the net turned them into treasures. There may still be some out there in a hidden antique shops.
perfume and cologne were worn, mostly by married women. Light floral scents were popular.
Sources for all comments
What I Know From Where or mail to: