This is being cross-posted, so please forgive the
duplication.  We've had a request from a museum that is
mounting a clothing exhibit.  In the past, the comment,
"people were smaller then," has been made by visitors.
The museum seeks some documentation (a written source)
that this was or was not the case.  The exhibit is
primarily women's clothing, but there are a few men's
garments. Current figures from the National Center
for Health Statistics indicate that the average height
for women today is just under 5' 4".  Any info on 1850
or 1900?
Pat Miller
 
Patricia L. Miller
Illinois Heritage Association
602 1/2 E. Green St. Champaign, IL 61820
tel: 217-359-5600  e-mail: [log in to unmask]