Workday Wednesday Occupation: Mantua Maker

From the 1860 U.S.Federal Census:

 (click image to enlarge)

 

Widow Mary Foster and her daughter, Mary, were both listed as mantua makers in the census above.

Mantua Maker:  A maker of women's clothing; a dressmaker


A mantua (from the French manteuil ) was a late 17th century and 18th century article of women's clothing that was typically worn over stays, stomacher and coordinating petticoat.

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