Child's Dress with Attached Support (Machine for Exercising Children)
George W. Tuttle, American, 1826 - 1856
Geography:
Made in United States, North and Central America
Date:
c. 1847Medium:
Printed cotton and wool plain weave, cotton plain weave, cotton batting, silk/cotton fringe, cotton cordDimensions:
Length: 14 inches (35.6 cm) Length with straps: 21 1/2 inches (54.6 cm)Curatorial Department:
Costume and TextilesObject Location:
1998-162-54Credit Line:
Gift of the heirs of Paul D. I. and Anna Shinn Maier, 1998
Made in United States, North and Central America
Date:
c. 1847Medium:
Printed cotton and wool plain weave, cotton plain weave, cotton batting, silk/cotton fringe, cotton cordDimensions:
Length: 14 inches (35.6 cm) Length with straps: 21 1/2 inches (54.6 cm)Curatorial Department:
Costume and TextilesObject Location:
Currently not on view
Accession Number:1998-162-54Credit Line:
Gift of the heirs of Paul D. I. and Anna Shinn Maier, 1998
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This decorated dress is actually a “machine for exercising children” patented by George Tuttle in 1847. Padded straps under the skirt went between the child’s legs, while the chest buttons attached to straps that went to a spring hanging from above. Tuttle’s “baby jumper” became very popular, since bouncing in one was said to not only amuse children but make them healthy and strong.
