The word Trousseau is a collection of linen, pottery, jewelry, pots, pans, and heirlooms boxed away for a maiden's marriage. Often it was the box itself that was called the Trousseau. These boxes held all the hopes and dreams of a young lady as she packed away needed things to bring her new home alive.
In 1877, it was deemed practical for a maiden to have a dozen of everything including linens, quilts, pillowcases, sheets, toweling, table linen, handkerchiefs, painted fans, gloves, slips, pantaloons, corsets, hoops, stockings, and shoes. She might squirrel away jewelry given by her parents and her intended. Along with a years worth of clothing. These items took years to accumulate. Their storage in trunks and decorative boxes are what we call today's hope chests.
Items embroidered such as pillows, tapestries, pillowcases, and handkerchiefs would be created by hand. Every woman learned to embroider, quilt, and sew. It was considered a helpful skill to elevate her husband in society. He and his family might show off the items the wife would bring to the marriage. Some ladies would place delicate silk embroidery of initials or slogans on intimate apparel, or place their husband's initials on shirts. Before the wedding these items might be placed in the parlor for guest to inspect and marvel at before the wedding.
If a woman was traveling, she would have to pack the belongs in as few boxes or trunks as possible because of cost. Items might have to be shipped later and there was always worry over robberies. In her small carpet bag, a maiden might carry her jewels and intimate apparel for the wedding night. Thus if a train robbery happened, these items might be over looked of given back out of compassion. Other items such as pottery and kitchen supplies would be boxed and secured from breakage by straw, then placed between quilts for extra protection. A smaller trunk would hold the clothing, shoes, and if a mail order bride - the dress itself along with the letters of correspondence.
A lot depended on bride to be. She often was meeting her intended for the first time. Often never seeing a picture of them. With no family, she was dependent on the grooms family to help her prepare for the event. Imagine the fear if indeed, this groom had embellished his own description or wealth.
In the series, Pioneer Brides of Rattlesnake Ridge, these ideas might just bear fruit as a group of authors and myself explore mail order brides in the American West.
Until next time,
Nan
