The fashions of 1800 to 1805 included slender gowns made of simple white cotton or plain muslin, with woven stripes and embroidered floral sprigs. The style featured high waists, narrow bodices, low drawstring necklines, and skirts with back gathers.

When donated to Maine Historical Society in 1938, this cotton dress with short puffy sleeves and wide square neck line, was said to have been made from the wedding dress of Delphina Keith Parris (1805-1826) of Buckfield, who died Sept. 3, 1826, a week before she was to be married.

However, stylistically, the dress dates to about 20 years prior to Parris' death, which complicates the timeline.