23.15

Machine, Pleating

1877 Approximate

Berrien's Mechanical Plaiter, Fluter and Ruffler. Material: wood, metal, paper. Size: 8 3/4" W. x 13" L. Description: two metal side brackets hold 36 rectangular removable double rods strung across a box frame; cloth is manipulated through the harp with a tin strip and wooden stick to create pleats used in ornamental flourishes such as jabots and collars; directions glued to the back of the wooden frame detail how to create knife plaiting, box plaiting and fluting. (a) Tin Strip. (b) Wooden Stick. (c) Wire Pusher.

The Berrien's Mechanical Plaiter was probably first used by Rosa Lampart Dieudonne (Mrs. Emile Dieudonne) of Janesville, Minnesota, and was passed on to her daughter, Marie Dieudonne Gorman. After 1980, the plaiter was given to Marie's daughter-in-law, Mrs. Thomas (Joann) Gorman, the donor.