WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? – Early to mid 19th century costumes must be worn by all men, women and children participating in the festival. This includes those who will be working in booths even for only short periods of time. Tennis shoes, ball caps and t-shirts are not appropriate attire.

The pioneers and settlers had little time or need for fashion. Clothing was designed to be sturdy and practical. It was the woman’s responsibility to cloth her family. Since the sewing machine wasn’t invented until 1846 and paper patterns much later, all clothing had to be hand stitched. Each garment was nursed to last many years.

WHAT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE: A simple apron over modern day clothing. Simple jean overalls and plain T-shirts or modern day shirts as example.

What IS Acceptable:

Fabrics commonly used by the pioneers include:

• Flannel (even red)
• Muslin (bleached/unbleached)
• Wool
• Calico
• Gingham checked
• Denim
• Cotton
• Linsey-woolsey
• Linen
• Towcloth or burlap
• Fustian (50% cotton/50% linen)

Women’s Clothing

Buttons were rarely used on women’s garment. Drawstrings and ties were common features and pins were used as fasteners.

The Chemise . . a simple long sleeve garment made of linen or cotton worn next to the skin, often doubling as a nightgown and a dress. Many women had only two chemises. It was common in hot weather to wear the chemise without a petticoat.

The Petticoat . . a long full skirt gathered onto a waistband. Petticoats were worn over the chemise. In cold weather ladies might wear three or four petticoats over each other for warmth.

The Apron . . an indispensable item of clothing made in several different styles. The word “pinafore” came from the bib apron with the bib pinned in place.

Head Coverings . . Pioneer women always kept their hair covered. Mob caps were often worn. Many times a square of cloth was folded into a triangle and tied under the chin (peasant style), on top of the head (turban style), or behind the head at the nape of the neck. Out of doors, straw hats with wide brims and flat crowns were worn over a mob cap and tied under the chin. Sunbonnets were also worn.

The Kerchief . . a 29″ to 32″ square of fabric folded to form a triangle and worn over the shoulders, tied or pinned in front. Wool was used for warmth in the winter. A thin fabric was used in the summer. The kerchief was usually white or blue.

Cold Weather Garments . . Shawls, capes or mantels were worn for protection against the elements.

Women’s clothing need not be hand sew. Aprons over blue jeans are not allowed. Women’s skirts must reach the ground.

Men’s Clothing

The Work Shirt . . made from cotton fabrics or flannel and fastened at the neck with one or two buttons (not down the front as shirts today). In the 1820’s, a long sleeved knitted undershirt was developed. It was also worn as a work shirt and eventually developed into the union suit.

The Waistcoat . . a vest-like over garment which buttoned down the front and worn for all occasions.

Breeches . . short pants made of cotton, linen, tow, linsey-woolsey and leather fittings snugly just below the knee. They had gussets in the back which laced to fit the wearer and a narrow front fall. Breeches were worn in the early 1800’s.

Trousers . . full length baggy pants made from cotton, denim, linen, linsey-woolsey or leather. They had a broad front fall and often did not have waistbands. They were held up by suspenders or a sash. NO BELTS!

(Note: Fly fronts had not come into use yet. We suggest you wear blue jeans with a long work shirt that will cover the fly.)

Aprons . . were occasionally worn by men, depending upon their task. They were usually made from denim or leather.

Hats . . two common styles included a flat crown straw hat with a broad brim or a large crowned, wide brimmed hat made of felt. The crown was sometimes creased.

The Neckerchief . . a 25″ piece of cloth folded to form a triangle and worn around the neck when working. Neckerchiefs were generally red or blue. In 1832, a store in Fort Wayne sold them for 40 cents.

Stockings

Stockings were an absolute necessity for both men and women. They were either hand knit, loom made or sewn fabric. In this area, they were probably hand knit and dyed a solid color.

Shoes

Shoes for men and women were either brown or black (NEVER WHITE!) and were many different styles: moccasins, slip-ons, low laced oxfords and either laced or pull-on boots. Any type of laced sport shoe is acceptable if the uppers and soles are black or brown. Should there be a logo visible, please cover it with tape.

If you are working around fires, please wear leather shoes. No open toe shoes, please.

Children’s Clothing

Children were dressed like miniature adults. They had many tucks in their clothes so they could be easily adjusted as the child grew.