Baptismal Gown

My family is all here in town for Elise's baptism. They have come from all over the country for this! I can't tell you how touched we are that my family works so hard to stay involved.  I love that I have such a supportive family. We have a very long history of being close. Take, for instance, the baptismal gown that Elise will be wearing it is a family heirloom dating back to the 19th century! The dress was made in 1895 by what I guess is my great great grandmother, so the great great great grandmother of my girls. My grandmother, father, cousins, aunts, great aunts, second cousins, brothers and daughters have all worn this baptismal gown!


The gown


Some detail of the gown


More details, isn't it lovely?!


The under-gown is beautifully made as well. I hate to call it a slip, because it is much more beautiful than that.


Some of the detailing on the under-gown

Along with the dress come care instructions and a little bit of history regarding the dress.


Here is a list (it's got names on both sides)of people who have worn the gown over the years, including my father, grandmother, aunts, cousins, second cousins, etc.


Pictures of family who has previously worn the gown. Does this top picture look familiar? It's Cordelia---she and Elise look a lot alike!


Here is a family member wearing the dress in 1942!

I am so happy to be passing on this tradition to my girls!