According to Agreeable Situations (Brick Store Museum, 1987) Zilpah Wadsworth Longfellow (1778-1851) purchased this gown while on a trip to New Haven and New York in 1822.

Made by a "French modiste" or dressmaker or milliner, the custom gown features a wide belted waistband and other fashionable features.

Leaf motifs form a rounded puff, encircling the upper sleeves of a detailed, very fine quality dressmaker-made woven striped pink, (now faded) silk dress. The dress also features a spencer-like (short jacket) bodice, an apron front skirt, and sets of flaring double pleats at the back.

The skirt is decorated with an abstracted wave form around circumference of the hem, and the dress closes with silk ribbon ties. The original pale pink color of the fabric is visible on the interior of skirt, and at seam allowances.