A two-piece black silk faille dress worn by Mrs. Adela (Hobbs) Adams (1842 -1917), wife of John Milton Adams, a former editor of the "Daily Eastern Argus". Faille is a closely woven silk with slight ribbing, popular in formal wear. The ensemble's bodice includes a lace standing collar, trimmed with velvet ribbon. The A-line skirt includes black satin trim, and is lined with black silk taffeta.

Mrs. Adam's husband died in 1897. The dress may have been part of Mrs. Adams late mourning attire, or may simply reflect a preference for black.

A waist tape (twill tape used by tailors) within the bodice is stamped "Hammon, Portland, ME". An Elmer F. Hammon worked as a tailor in Portland in 1899 and 1900, with a Mrs. Elizabeth Hammond working as a" tailoress" as of 1901. Either member of the once married couple (who divorced in 1900) may have worked for Mrs. Adams.