Not only was Addie strikingly beautiful, but she was also a snappy dresser. When I was cleaning out my late father’s apartment, I found this photo album, and many of the pictures showed intricate detail of Addie’s stunning wardrobe! The photos provide an amazing keyhole peek at Addie’s wardrobe and life – more than 11 decades ago!
Addie’s older sister (Anna) was born the year after the Civil War ended, and she lived to be 99 years old. Addie was born six years later (1872) and died at the age of 29. She lived at the Fargo Mansion (her home with Enoch) until her death in 1901.
To see more pictures of Addie’s home life, click here.
If you enjoy the photos, please leave a comment below.
First, my favorite. I assume this was a traveling outfit for Addie, judging by the little bag at her side. I read a story years and years ago about a Victorian woman who left behind a suicide note that said simply, "All this buttoning and unbuttoning." Looking at Addie's dress, one can understand how much buttoning one must have endured back then!
And it's even got a little scarf at the neck.
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And what a hat!
Same hat. Different dress. Awesome parasol!
This is an interesting outfit, but it looks so incredibly heavy. And look at the fabric on the arms. Perhaps it's layered?
Another favorite is the riding outfit with a crop. Notice the kitty at her feet.
Apparently, Addie had a "favorite side" and this was it. She must have had a separate closet for parasols and hats, because she had a lot of both.
Apparently Addie had an outfit for cycling, too. However, this looks somewhat staged, as I can not imagine riding a bike in this complicated, flowing dress. Look at the detail on the cuffs, and lapels and buttons!
Another stunningly beautiful dress.
Hard to imagine playing tennis like this. However, I love the cap, and also the scarf around the neck. Look at the wasp waist!
Addie's wedding dress (I surmise). This photo was dated 1896, the year that she and Enoch Fargo were married. She was 24 years old; he was 46.
Addie sitting on the steps of the Fargo Mansion. I love this outfit for its practicality and simple beauty.
I love this picture of Addie in a white dress.
It's the only photo in the whole album where she's got a big smile.
Addie and Katty. And another dandy hat.
Addie in yet another gorgeous dress, as she sits at the piano in the Fargo Mansion.
And apparently, there's even appropriate attire for boating.
Last but not least, this is a photo taken of Addie in 1889, when she was 17 years old. Even as a kid, she knew how to dress. I'd love to know more about the history of this photo, which was found in the vertical files at the Fargo Library.
To learn more about the Fargo Mansion, click here.
To learn more about Addie, click here.
If you’ve any information to add about Addie’s beautiful clothes and/or styles of the day, please leave a comment!
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These are so beautiful Rosemary! I have been trying to get into period attire, researching because we are now dressing up when we docent at Founder’s Park here in Anaheim. The more I learn the more I am glad to not have lived back then. The dresses are gorgeous but really difficult to wear. I have a slate grey taffeta bustle dress very similar to the styles Addie is wearing, and the sucker has to weight 10 pounds! Those outfits are all fully lined! Add a chemise, corset, corset cover, pantalettes, petticoats, and any needed bustles, and just walking becomes a major undertaking. Her things are also very costly, Fargo has major bucks. Crying shame he seems to have been such a bastard.
@Cynthia Ward
Glancing at these photos, her life looks so sweet, but then you find out the REST of the story.
She was 24 years old when she married Enoch (who was 46). I suspect that poor Aunt Addie grew up in a hurry. 🙁
I counted 26 buttons that are visable in that first ‘traveling’ outfit! but I know there MUST be some hiding! and those buttons were no simple task, like ours are today! I hope she had a maid that helped her dress.
Take in consideration…the weather in those days were tempered….they didn’t have the smog and ozone issues we have in 2020, so I’m sure she didnt have much trouble dressing, perhaps, this was a ritural that women might of enjoyed…. who knows. Addie was extremely a beautiful girl,,,,what a shame her life abruptly ended and no children to be had…..tragic and sad….