"Here, can you put this in your purse?"

Ask any woman you know, and she will confirm that someone has asked her to put something in her purse for them. Today’s purses can be quite large affairs, holding all manner of useful things like wallets, cell phones, tissues, coupons, pens, makeup, grocery lists and breath mints!

In time past, small purses, or “reticules” were used to hold a woman’s essentials. The dictionary defines “reticule” as a small woman’s purse, typically having a drawstring and often decorated with embroidery or beading. The Longmeadow Historical Society’s collections include several of these small purses. One notable example from the late 1830’s has a mourning scene complete with a cemetery plinth, made with tiny glass beads. These purses were made by first stringing the tiny beads onto a thread and then knitting them into place! Not being a knitter, the mind boggles at the miniscule work that was surely done by the light of a handy window or a candle!  These purses are typically finished with silk fabric. The heavy beads were a strain on the delicate silk, so few of these special bags survive. As time went on, larger beads became more available, which can be a clue to a purse’s age. 

This lovely beaded creation features a plinth such as would be commonly seen in a cemetery, with the letter “S” marked on it. This purse was donated by a Mrs. B. B. Stewart, so perhaps it descended in her husband’s family.

These beaded purses continued to be popular into the 20th century, although I doubt many of them are big enough to hold a cell phone!  This special remnant of women's history is currently on display at the Storrs House Museum as part of our exhibit, The Ages of Women.  Check out  our website for information on making an appointment or attending an Open House.