Place

Hillsborough, Albert County, New Brunswick, Canada

Date

1890

Materials & techniques

The white bonnet and sweater were crocheted likely using cotton string. White ribbon was inserted at the base of the bonnet and neck of the sweater to secure the garments on the baby. The ribbon is probably satin.

Credit

Martha Ann Steeves

ID

Hon William Henry Steeves House Museum 002.2.1

This two piece christening outfit, consisting of a bonnet and a short sleeve sweater, were made by Martha Ann Steeves who is a sister to the Honourable William Henry Steeves, a Father of Confederation. Martha was the wife of Christian Steeves, and the outfit was worn by their grandson, John Trites Rowe Steeves, at his christening. He was the son of Martha and Christian's youngest child of six, John Trites Steeves. Martha is also the great-great grandmother to the late New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton. The outfit was donated to the museum by his mother Doris Layton, née Steeves.