Figure 1.--Here are the four stules of children's Buster dresses offered by Sears in 1907. The use of the term "children" suggests it was suitable for boys and girls. As far as we can tell, these garments are essentially the same as the tunics boys wore, except that they did not have matching bloomer knickers. Here are two of the dresses offered. |
Boy dresses by 1907 were no longer commonly advertized. We do, however, see children's dresses. An example here is a selection of children's dresses offered by Sears in 1907. They were described as "Children's Buster dresses". This is not a commonly used term. As far as we know it was promotional term used by Sears to play on the popularity of Bustern Brown. They look to us essentially like poular tunics boys wore. The basic difference between the Buster dresses and tunic suits seems to be that the Bustern dresses did not include the matching bloomer knickers that came with tunic suits. The Sears ad here suggests that the tunic style was appropriate for both boys and girls. The color choices also suggest they were worn by both boys and girls. We seem to note, however, more boys wearing the style in the photographic record. The sizes offered were chikdren 2-5 yeara, meaning pre-school children.
The Sears' ad copy read, "Child's dress, made of fancy striped percale. Buster Brown style, band made of white duck with pocket, cuffs and belt to match. Has a deep hem at the bottom. Ages 2 to 5 years. Colors, blue or pinl stripes. Mention age and color when ordering. Price 3 for $1.20; each ... 43c. If by mail, postage extra, each 10 cents." Note the color choices. Because these dresses were for boys and girls, modern readers might assume that this was a blue dress for boys and a pink dress for girls. Here we are not certain. As far as we can tell, the gender color conventions were not yet strongly established. Perhaps these were just popular colors. Here we are not yet sure. Also note the 3 for price. Did mothers really by three of the same outfit for a child? Or perhaps this is a reflection of the larger family sizes at the time.
The Sears' ad copy read, "Child's dress, made of good quality washable percale. In black and white sheperd checks. Has a round reck trimmed with turkey red material to match. It has a belt which is trimmed to correspond. Dress made with deep hem. Black ad white shepherd checks only. Ages 2 to 5 years. Be sure to state age wanted. Price 3 for $1.40; each ... 53c. If by mail, postage extra, each 10 cents."
Figure 2.-- Here are the other two Buster dresses offered. |
The Sears' ad copy read, "Child's dress, made of good quality washable duck. With box plaits. Made with a pointed yoke anbd trimmed with wash material. Has the mew Peter Pan collar, with bow tie. Has plaited sleeves, Belt trimmed to match. Colors, white with either blue stripe or blue dot effect. For children, ages 2 to 5 years. State color and age when ordering. Price 2 for $1.45; each ... 79c. If by mail, postage extra, each 13 cents."
This dress has a little sidebar to emohasize that the material was "fine washable gingham". The Sears' ad copy read, "This dress is made of good qualityh zephyr gingham. Made with a dickey of white duck. Has a wide sailor collar which is trimmed with white duck and braid to match. The cuffs and belt made to correspomd with dresss. Has a deep hemto the bottom. For children, ages 2 to 5 years. Colors blue or pink fanvy heck. Say what color and age you want when ordering. Price 2 for $2.25; each ... $1.19. If by mail, postage extra, each 12 cents." Gingham of course was a popular fabric. We are not sure just what "Zephyr" means.
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