Textile: Bridal headpiece belonging to M. Lavinia Warren
Orange blossom wreath
7 in W
, 9.25 in Circumference
Measurement Notes: width: 7"; half circumference 9 1/4"
Bridal headdress of wax orange blossoms believed to have been worn by M. Lavinia Warren at her marriage to Charles S. Stratton, better known as "General Tom Thumb," on February 10, 1863. The flowers were part of a more elaborate headdress that included lace and jewels; the wedding attire is described in newspapers of the period. The blossoms are now fragile and faded, no longer representative of their original appearance. The headdress is composed of individual flower buds made of fabric and wax, and the headband of wire, wrapped in netting, and an elastic cord secured to the ends. The veil is described as being hand-made "point applique" (a fine, appliqued lace) that trailed gracefully around her shoulders and was displayed to advantage over her wide, round, satin skirt. It is not know if the veil still exists, nor if any of the gown does, other than her satin shoes.
Mercy Lavinia Warren nee Bump (October 31, 1841-November 25, 1919), then Mercy Lavinia Magri, was a well known entertainer during the 1800s. She began her show business career on a river boat, as exhibiting those with dwarfism was profitable at the time. Warren signed with P.T. Barnum at age 21, along with her younger sister Minnie Warren, who also had dwarfism. Later on, Lavinia began to date fellow Barnum performer Charles S. Stratton (General Tom Thumb), and the two eventually wed. They worked and toured together as celebrities, and had a happy marriage. Following Stratton’s death, Warren married Primo Magri, an Italian entertainer of a similar stature to Warren, on April 6, 1885. Magri and Warren operated a roadside stand in Middleboro, Mass. Warren died on November 25, 1919, and is buried besides Stratton at Mountain Grove Cemetery.
Mercy Lavinia Warren nee Bump (October 31, 1841-November 25, 1919), then Mercy Lavinia Magri, was a well known entertainer during the 1800s. She began her show business career on a river boat, as exhibiting those with dwarfism was profitable at the time. Warren signed with P.T. Barnum at age 21, along with her younger sister Minnie Warren, who also had dwarfism. Later on, Lavinia began to date fellow Barnum performer Charles S. Stratton (General Tom Thumb), and the two eventually wed. They worked and toured together as celebrities, and had a happy marriage. Following Stratton’s death, Warren married Primo Magri, an Italian entertainer of a similar stature to Warren, on April 6, 1885. Magri and Warren operated a roadside stand in Middleboro, Mass. Warren died on November 25, 1919, and is buried besides Stratton at Mountain Grove Cemetery.
T 2017.004.001