Daniel Updike (1694–1757) was a prominent member of the Colony of Rhode Island. He was a lawyer and served as Attorney General for many years. As an important official of the Colony, Updike frequently entertained, early in his career in Newport and later at Smith’s Castle. Updike’s wardrobe reflected his wealth and social status as well as his prominant official position in the Colony.
One of Updike’s waistcoats and a fine linen shirt, stitched and initialed by his second wife, Anstis Jenkins Updike, are in the collection of The Rhode Island Historical Society. Another waistcoat was donated to Smith’s Castle by Clarkson Collins, an Updike family descendant, in 2000. It was in very bad condition, with much underarm and armsceye wear, the back split in half, and some of the lining frayed.
The waistcoat front is very long and would come halfway down the thighs of the owner, whereas the back of this style waistcoat is short, ending at, or just below, the waistline. The fronts would have been ordered from a tailor, probably in London, Boston, or another large city. When delivered, the two pieces were lined and attached to a back that was constructed to fit the owner’s girth. Very little other “fit” was required. Like the bright red waistcoat in Providence, ours is silk faille and cut velvet, in a soft blue green color. The long style was popular circa 1740–50.
The waistcoat remains quite faded and still shows wear, but major repairs were recently completed by the Textile Conservation Center at the University of Rhode Island’s Fashion Merchandising and Textile Department. A new back was constructed and the armsceye and lining areas were repaired. The waistcoat will likely be on exhibition in the Updike bedchamber in the summer of 2006.
—Linda Eppich
