Maid’s Uniform

A brown dress handing on a white closet door. Overtop there is a cream apron that is sheer. The same material matches the cuffs and collar of the dress.
Mary Kidd's uniform in the Servant's Quarters

Country of Origin: Canada
Year: ca. 1931
Materials: Linen, bakelite, and cotton 

The Harris Family were decent employers and employed over 200 people in their 125-year history. Maids were provided with room and board in addition to their pay, as well as uniforms. This uniform was made by the Eatons’ Company and dates from the early 1930s. The simple brown uniform is accompanied by a light patterned linen apron. It was meant as a formal uniform, worn when serving at the table of completing less messy tasks.

This maid’s uniform belonged to Mary Klojggard nee Kidd. Mary was born in Scotland in 1912, and immigrated to Canada when she was 17. She came to work at Eldon House upon the recommendation of her uncle, William Barnett, who was the head gardener. Mary worked at Eldon House from 1931-1938 as a parlourmaid. She did light cleaning and serving for the Harris Family and worked alongside various other maids. Mary left in 1938 to get married to Holger Klojggard, whom she met when he worked for the dairy company supplying the house. Mary remained in touch with the Harris Family after she left service and was occasionally contracted to help with large parties or cleaning projects. Mary last wore this uniform in 1960 when she helped serve one final meal to the Harris Family before the house became a museum. She donated the uniform to be displayed in the Servant’s Quarters.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.