The 19th century was a time of great change in women's fashion. The century began with high waistlines and straight skirts, and by the 1850s, the style had evolved into a more natural waistline and full skirt. Adelicia Acklen's clothing choices showcase the most fashionable trends from Europe and North America during that time. Follow Belmont Mansion as we embark on a nine part series showcasing the dresses, jewelry, and fashion choices of Adelicia Acklen. In this portrait Adelicia exhibits her riding habit. Traditional riding habit generally took the style of men’s ware and feminized the look and fit while pairing it with a flowing skirt. Women would sport top hats with veils, waistcoats, j
The 19th century was a time of great change in women's fashion. The century began with high waistlines and straight skirts, and by the 1850s, the style had evolved into a more natural waistline and full skirt. Adelicia Acklen's clothing choices showcase the most fashionable trends from Europe and North America during that time. Follow Belmont Mansion as we embark on a nine part series showcasing the dresses, jewelry, and fashion choices of Adelicia Acklen. This broach is patterned after the emblem of the Order of the Garter which pictures a garter looped and knotted in a circle. The Order is the highest honor of chivalric service. In Queen Victoria’s reign, membership was awarded based on el
Adelicia Acklen’s Belmont estate was known for its grounds and gardens. In addition to the stunning landscaping, guests were amazed at the two-hundred-foot long greenhouse and conservatory. Adelicia’s third husband, Dr. William Archer Cheatham, was very interested in horticulture and took great interest in the Belmont gardens. The 1860s and 1870s saw great interest in horticulture, which included elaborate public exhibitions and detailed reports of arrangements featured in local newspapers. As a result, gardeners were held to the status of modern day rock stars during this period of plant mania. Below is a list of plants that were exhibited from Belmont. While the Latin names may not be the
Restoration Update! This summer we are busy restoring the free-flying staircase leading to Belmont Mansion's cupola. It is a laborious process and still in progress. All balusters and handrails have been stripped of multiple layers of college era paint. Belmont is restoring Adelicia’s original mahogany stain to her walnut balusters and cherry handrail. Faux wood graining on the treads, risers, and stringers in imitation of American oak, is currently being restored by a local artist. Stay tuned for more updates later this summer!
The 19th century was a time of great change in women's fashion. The century began with high waistlines and straight skirts, and by the 1850s, the style had evolved into a more natural waistline and full skirt. Adelicia Acklen's clothing choices showcase the most fashionable trends from Europe and North America during that time. Follow Belmont Mansion as we embark on a nine part series showcasing the dresses, jewelry, and fashion choices of Adelicia Acklen. During the Victorian era in which Adelicia thrived, women of society would visit friends and acquaintances to maintain social connections. These Cartes de Visite of Adelicia displays her wealth and station with her fine street dress and je
During the days of Adelicia, Belmont Mansion was one of the premiere party destinations in Nashville. The stunning grounds and opulent house made it the ideal setting for a Victorian affair. In September 1877, Dr. Cheatham and Adelicia hosted a reception for the American Association for the Advancement of Science. This brief description of the event, allows us to step back in time and imagine the beauty and splendor of a 19th century Belmont Mansion party. --- "Thursday evening the American Association for the Advancement of Science, at the kind invitation of Dr. and Mrs. W. A. Cheatham, repaired to their residence in a body. As the carriages drove up through the magnificent grounds of Belmo
