The Wylies’ May, 1856 (left) and July, 1843 (right) Editions of “Godey’s Lady’s Book”

Edited by Louis A. Godey and Sarah J. Hale, “Godey’s Lady’s Book” presented a highly idealized version of American mothering and womanhood. Seen here, pages of the magazine were dedicated to illustrated depictions of child garments, titled, “Juvenile Fashion.” These illustrations are hardly representative of the children’s clothing artifacts in the Wylie House Collections (on display in the Women’s Workroom). The elaborate dresses and suits represent the fictional, idyllic childhood existing only in these publications. Meanwhile, the stained and patched, simple garments of the Wylie’s convey the truths of mothering – constant sewing, mending, cleaning messes, and caring for children, all at once.

For more information contact the Wylie House Museum and for more information about the collections at the museum visit Wylie House Museum: Collections Overview.