Ulster American Folk Park

Collections

Men's Clothing

Handknitted semmit and leggings

These came from a cottage on a smallholding in Doaghcrabbin townland, Fanad, County Donegal.

They were found in a bag with 'cimet' written on the outside. They were made by Giley (Julia) McCarron, for her brother Eddie, from wool from their own sheep, which she spun herself. He was to be seen wearing this gear all his life, the long sleeves down below his shortsleeved shirt on warm days (get closer by clicking the images).

Man's single-breasted waistcoat.

Beige cotton waistcoat with pink and maroon leaf print. Rolled collar. Two pockets at front. Five buttons at front to close. Back of waistcoat and lining made from plain white cotton. From Lifford, County Donegal.

1896 Spring and Summer Catalogue

M. Born & Co of Chicago advertised their goods in a specially produced catalogue. Keeping up with the latest style was most important as the Spring/Summer 1896 catalogue advises ‘trousers are cut much narrower in the leg than last season’. From the manufacture’s viewpoint maintaining an annual turnover of style through catalogue outlets was essential to sustain the level of growth of the industry.

Pair of hobnail boots

These belonged to George Walker. George worked on the Paget-Tomlinson estate in southern Cumbria, England. He was hired out at the age of fourteen. George was responsible for all the maintenance - buildings, dry stone walls, drains and offering advice to farmers. George was originally from the Lake District. He was one of 12 children, and the neighbouring farm belonged to Beatrix Potter. The original price of the boots was 39 shillings and 11 pence. George’s daughter, from Ballyclare, County Antrim, donated these boots to the museum collection.

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