Seven Oaks & Ross House Museum

A Lady's Essentials

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Chatelaine

Also know as "ladies' companions," chatelaines were devices worn on a woman's waist to carry useful tools for household tasks. These practical dress clips with chains were originally worn by the woman of the house to aid in her duties; however, chatelaines were soon adopted by younger women as a decorative accessory to showcase charms as a visual representation of status. 
This chatelaine hosts a thimble, a pair of scissors, a pin cushion, and two keys.

It is believed that this belonged to Mary "Marak" Inkster. 
​

​c. 1868

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Hat pin vase and pins

Hat pins were used to hold veils and hats in place on a lady's head. They were often ornamental as well as practical, with a wide range of designs and materials. These long, sharp accessories were also occasionally used for more sinister purposes, as they made a handy weapon.  
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Hat Pin Vase
c. unknown
Assorted Hat Pins
c. unknown

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Sterling silver dressing tools

This set features two tools to help a lady get ready for the day.
​The curling tongs would have been heated over a fire, and curled hair in a similar fashion to how a modern curling iron would today.
As clothing and boots often had long rows of buttons, a button hook like this one helped get them all fastened. 
​
Curling tongs and button hook. 
​c. unknown

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Seven Oaks House's original house key

This key was used on the locks of the house when it was originally built in the 1800s.
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Keys​
c. 1850s

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Mock tortoise hair comb

This comb would have been used as a decorative accessory in  ladies' hairstyles. Hair accessories like this one were often made of celluloid, a synthetic material that mimicked the appearance of luxury animal products such as ivory and tortoiseshell, without such an extravagant price tag.
​ 

​c. unknown

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Fan

This cream-coloured chiffon fan is embellished with delicate images of birds, dragonflies, and flowers. The spines are made of French ivory. 
​
​c. before 1876

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Black jet earring and brooch

This accessory set belonged to Mary Inkster. The matching earrings and brooch are made from carved black jet gemstones set on wooden backings.  
​
​c. prior to 1890

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Purple dress

This is a reproduction of a dress that belonged to the Inkster family. The purple dress with a black beaded trim would have been worn with a hoop skirt and petticoat. 
​
​c. unknown 

Seven Oaks House Museum & Ross House Museum sit on Treaty One land:
​The traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg and Ininíwak, the land of the Dakota and the homeland of the Red River Métis.

Contact us:

Eric Napier Strong - Curator / Manager

Seven Oaks House Museum

204-339-7429
SOHMuseum@gmail.com
50 Mac Street, Winnipeg, MB

​Ross House Museum

204-942-5396
RHouseMuseum@gmail.com
140 Meade Street North, Winnipeg, MB

Operated with support from

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  • Seven Oaks House Museum
    • Visiting Information
    • Events >
      • Past Events
    • School Programs
    • Rentals
    • History >
      • John & Mary
      • Children
      • George T Inkster
      • Nahovway & Colin
      • An Enduring Legacy
      • Changing Times
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
    • Our Mission
  • Ross House Museum
    • Visiting Information
    • Events
    • History >
      • Artifact Gallery
      • The Ross Family >
        • Jemima McKenzie Ross
    • Volunteer
    • Our Mission
  • Learning
    • Self-Guided Tours
    • Video Tours
    • Winnipeg 1884: Finding the Past in Our Present >
      • Residence of Hon. A.G.B. Bannatyne
      • St. John's College
      • St. John's College Ladies School
      • Hudson's Bay Land Office
      • Hudson's Bay Co. Store
      • Woods & Ovens Biscuit Manufactory
      • Grand Pacific Hotel
      • Manitoba Free Press
      • M. Keachie's Palace Stables
      • J.H. Ashdown Hardware
      • Redwood Brewery
      • Ryan's Boot & Shoe Store
      • Manitoba College
      • St. Mary's Academy
      • St. Boniface Boys College
      • St. Boniface Cathedral
      • Episcopal Palace, St. Boniface
      • Ladies College, St. Boniface
  • Gathering
    • Contemporary Artists
  • Employment Opportunities