This gown
(jacket shown here) is one of the few that has the name of an owner attached to
it within the Irma Bowen Collection at the University of New Hampshire Museum.
This is fortunate for the woman who wore this garment, Elizabeth Hosking (Nims)
had impeccable taste and an eye for not only lovely, but perfectly crafted
details. One will note the use of monochromatic tones for this silk taffeta
dress, relieved by various treatments showcased in Embellishments: Constructing Victorian Detail (coming September 2012);
including bound edges, pleats, and elaborate seaming and gathers.
Although
Elizabeth Hosking, born in St. Austell, Cornwall, England on December 11, 1826,
there is a strong local connection between the gown and the region. She was the
second wife of Lanmon Nims . Lanmon was born in Sullivan on Feb 3rd, 1811. He
married his first wife, Lydia Locke on Feb 14, 1837; she died on Feb 2, 1851,
two months after giving birth to their 4th child. Lanmon married Elizabeth on
October 28th, 1851. They were married by Reverend Dr. Joel Clapp of Bellow Falls,
VT (possibly of Immanuel Episcopal Church). Lanmon and Elizabeth resided in
Keene, NH, where Lanmon was very successful in real estate, constructing the
first town hall and church of Keene. Lanmon died on Sept 20, 1887 and Elizabeth
died October 18, 1906; they had four children. Lanmon, his first wife Lydia,
and his second wife Elizabeth were all buried in Woodland Cemetery in Keene NH.
Research on E. Hosking Nims is ongoing.
Bridget
Swift, Research Associate
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