Coldengham, New York
Store of Cadwallader Colden, Jr.
Persian
Alexander Wilson purchased one-eighth yard of Persian Silk (Pershen) at the Colden Store on this day, 250 years-ago. Silk was sometimes used to make neck handkerchiefs and perhaps that is what Wilson planned to do with this very narrow strip of fabric.
 |
| Gold Persian Silk Reproduction. Image Courtesy of wmboothdraper.com |
==============================
Search the DayBook
This article is one in a series of a daily accountings of Colden Store transactions. Be sure you read the first installment for an introduction to the store. You should also read this article which appeared in the Journal of the Orange County Historical Society.
===============================
The 1882 Dictionary of needlework [p. 389] describes Persian as 'An inferior description of silk stuff, thin, and designed for linings of women's cloaks, hoods, and articles of infants' dress. It is soft, fine, almost transparent, and not durable.' It seems strange to me that the price of a lining would be so high (12-19 Shillings/yard) for a fabric that is not even seen?
Persian was a very popular item at the Colden store (48 transactions), but it was purchased in small quantities -- 90% were one-half yard or less. Perhaps it was used for scarves or bonnet linings where little fabric was needed?
===============================
Search the DayBook
No comments:
Post a Comment