Textile: Wedding vest belonging to Charles S. Stratton
Clothing
Waistcoat
Unknown creator, American (created by)
Charles S. Stratton (General Tom Thumb)
Southworth, Mary (associated with)
Charles S. Stratton (General Tom Thumb)
Southworth, Mary (associated with)
1863 (Date manufactured/created)
Silk vest worn by Charles S. Stratton, better known by his stage name "General Tom Thumb," at his marriage to M. Lavinia Warren on February 10, 1863. Both were little people, as were the best man and bridesmaid, which gave rise to the event's popular name, "The Fairy Wedding." Stratton's wedding vest is in keeping with men's fashions of the period. Men's suits were typically black or another sombre color, but for special occasions it was common for the vest to be made of an elegant silk fabric that might be surprisingly colorful and ornately patterned. In keeping with the occasion of marriage, this vest is cream color silk satin and is embroidered with delicate branches of leaves and flowers. The curved "shawl" collar was a popular style of this period, along with the angled shoulders. There are three pockets: two neat welt pockets at the waistline and on the proper left, at the chest line, a short, curved opening for a pocketwatch chain. The back of the vest, which would always be covered by the jacket, is a finely ribbed silk of the same color. At the back waistline there are long tabs of silk ribbon, now missing the buckle that would set the fit. (The tabs are very fragile, and so have been encased in net to prevent their loss.) The vest was partially stitched with a sewing machine and partly by hand. Two of the original silk covered buttons have been replaced with mother of pearl buttons.
Charles Sherwood Stratton (January 4, 1838 - July 15, 1883) was an entertainer who got his start with P. T. Barnum in the early 1840s. Stratton's parents signed him with Barnum when the boy was barely five years old. The family went to live in New York City where Stratton performed at Barnum's American Museum, located on Broadway at Ann Street. The little boy took quickly to performing, and on tours he entertained audiences worldwide, including royalty. Stratton's performances brought him renown, becoming one of the biggest celebrities at the time, and considerable wealth. He and Lavinia Warren Bump met through P. T. Barnum in December of 1862, and shortly thereafter became engaged. Stratton was 25 years old and his fiance was 21. Their wedding was heavily promoted by P. T. Barnum and became the social event of the year. It captivated public interest across the nation at a time when most news stories were heart wrenching, as the country was mired in a tragic Civil War. The marriage took place at Grace Episcopal Church on Broadway in New York City, and the reception, with 2000 guests, was held at the Metropolitan Hotel, where the lavish wedding gifts were displayed. The couple had a happy marriage, and continued touring and performing. On July 15, 1883, at age 45, Stratton suffered a stroke and passed away. He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut, with his wife beside him.
Charles Sherwood Stratton (January 4, 1838 - July 15, 1883) was an entertainer who got his start with P. T. Barnum in the early 1840s. Stratton's parents signed him with Barnum when the boy was barely five years old. The family went to live in New York City where Stratton performed at Barnum's American Museum, located on Broadway at Ann Street. The little boy took quickly to performing, and on tours he entertained audiences worldwide, including royalty. Stratton's performances brought him renown, becoming one of the biggest celebrities at the time, and considerable wealth. He and Lavinia Warren Bump met through P. T. Barnum in December of 1862, and shortly thereafter became engaged. Stratton was 25 years old and his fiance was 21. Their wedding was heavily promoted by P. T. Barnum and became the social event of the year. It captivated public interest across the nation at a time when most news stories were heart wrenching, as the country was mired in a tragic Civil War. The marriage took place at Grace Episcopal Church on Broadway in New York City, and the reception, with 2000 guests, was held at the Metropolitan Hotel, where the lavish wedding gifts were displayed. The couple had a happy marriage, and continued touring and performing. On July 15, 1883, at age 45, Stratton suffered a stroke and passed away. He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut, with his wife beside him.
1976.001.096