Bustles were a common fashion item in the nineteenth century. A bustle was made of wire or whalebone and worn to extend and accent the fullness of a woman's skirt. The idea became exaggerated when some women felt that a larger bustle would be even more fashionable. Elliot Fentner of Chicago thought the extra space under the skirt could be used to conceal a handy wooden stool. If the wearer of Fentner's bustle grew tired she could lean back, and the legs of the stool would snap into position, giving her an instant seat. |
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