Interesting history: It wasn't unusual to see small boys wearing dresses at that time. I've got pictures of my grandfather in a dress from this time period. As a baby, it was easier to change the cloth diaper. And, as the boy grew up it was easier to potty train. Button up onesies wasn't a thing, and little kids made messes. I can't tell from the picture if two of those boys are wearing dresses or just long overcoats. My guess is dresses. Then they would grow out of that and wear shorts / pants when they were old enough not to piss themselves. Such a simpler time when boys were boys and girls were girls and it didn't matter if a little boy was in a dress.