Annie Merrill (1880-1970), a graduate of Bates College (Class of 1902) taught school in Gardiner and Natick, Massachusetts before marrying James Arthur Hayes of Randolph in 1907. This plum colored sateen and lace two-piece dress with a standing collar, dates from between 1900 and 1905, around the time of her graduation and teaching career.

The pigeon style bodice (fuller at the front) is detailed in velvet and lace, including a high lace collar, a hallmark for the period. Three sateen tabs button at each shoulder with gold and plum colored buttons. The skirt, more aubergine or eggplant in color, is made from a different fabric than the bodice and may date slightly later. However, the tab detail carries through to the skirt and the same wine colored velvet was used for the three stripes along the bottom.

Annie Merrill Hayes moved to Pennsylvania by 1910, later returning to Randolph.