Trousseau Dress, 1851

Photograph by Stan Sherer

Costume historian Lynne Zacek Bassett researched the trousseau dress of Susan Munroe Shepherd for the 1990 exhibition at Historic Northampton, Staking Her Life’s Happiness: Brides of the Nineteenth Century and the "King David's Crown" quilt attributed to Susan for the book, Massachusetts Quilts: Our Common Wealth.

This dress was worn by Susan Lorinda Brigham Munroe (1821-1897), who married Henry Shepherd (1811-1900) in Northborough, Massachusetts on September 23, 1851.

The deep V neckline of this moss green silk brocade dress was designed to be filled by an embroidered muslin chemisette. A watch pocket is sewn into the waistline on the left side. The technique of cartridge pleating creates an extremely full skirt, which would have been supported by layers of petticoats as wire hoops were not invented for another few years.

Susan L. B. Munroe Shepherd

Susan L. B. Munroe was born in Boston, the daughter of Susan Lorinda Brigham Munroe and John Foye Munroe.  Her school papers and drawings in the collection of Historic Northampton reveal that she was educated at several schools in Massachusetts.  In 1831, Susan wrote from Boston to a cousin that "I attend Miss Hayden school and I like [it] very much. I have got both of the meddles [medals]." For at least a part of that same year, Susan was in Leominster, as is noted on a portfolio holding her theorem paintings. In 1836, Susan graduated from the Arcade High School of Boston at the age of 15 and was sent to the Gothic Seminary in Northampton. The Gothic Seminary was a private school for girls founded in 1835 by Miss Margarette Dwight located near what is now Gothic Street. Among Susan’s school papers is an 1836 catalog from the Gothic Seminary listing Susan as a student in the senior department for students over age twelve or thirteen. At left is a daguerreotype of Susan, taken by Lorenzo Chase of Boston based upon the imprint on the brass mat at lower right. The daguerreotype dates to circa 1850, near the time of Susan's marriage in September 1851.

Susan was 30 years old when she married Henry Shepherd of Northampton, a widower with three young daughters.  Susan described her wedding day in her journal:

Journal entry

This day which I now record will ever be memorable to me, as consummating an event, which will materially effect my future happiness, and not mine alone but those who are bound to me by the dearest and holy ties.

It is my wedding day -- one of the most important eras in my life …. with feelings which can not be described I went down stairs into the Parlor with Henry by my side.  Henrietta as Bridesmaid and cousin James officiating as Groomsman -- and in the presence of several friends and connexions -- pronounced those vows, which gave me to another --

Words are inadequate to express my emotions at bidding adieu to those who have ever been my dearest guardians and guides. My sensations upon assuming the responsible situation of Wife and not that alone but Mother also -- I will draw a veil over such feelings, they are sacred and even I can not transcribe them – Mingled with my cup of happiness, was the loneliness of my Parents and the great change there would be in my position of Life …. God grant that I may exert a good influence on those around me -- and by my Efforts -- promote their highest good -- and fulfull the mission acceptably which I have chosen.

Pieced Quilt attributed to Susan Lorinda Brigham Munroe Shepherd, circa 1850 David Stansbury Photograph, Courtesy of the Massachusetts Quilt Documentation Project

Susan may have made this pieced quilt in preparation for her marriage to Henry. Susan chose for her quilt a design that has assumed a religious name, "King David's Crown." The quilt is made of a variety of dress calicoes, including a bright orange wavy stripe that strikingly sets off the darker "crowns." Made in a T-shape, the quilt would have fit nicely around the foot posts of a tall-post bed. In 1856, Susan purchased a house at 66 Bridge Street in Northampton in her own name, where she and her husband would live for the rest of their lives.  That year, she gave birth to a son, Thomas Munroe Shepherd (1856-1923).

From generation to generation, the Shepherd family was active in Northampton business and farming. Henry's father, Thomas Shepherd, imported some of the first merino sheep to the United States and became a successful manufacturer of fine wool broadcloth. Henry chose farming over manufacturing or merchandising. In 1859, to supplement his income, he became superintendent of what was to become the Western Union Company, a position he held for 13 years.  Their marriage lasted 45 years. Susan Munroe Shepherd died on January 11, 1897. Henry Shepherd lived until 1900. 

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