00620070030
Hat
Bonnet
Bonnet, Poke
circa 1830 – 1840 (Earliest/Latest dates)
Straw, Silk
Natural straw bonnet with maroon silk neck piece at back of neck. A decorative coil of straw covers the area where the neck piece is attached to bonnet. Where brim meets the crown of the hat, there is a 3 1/2" band of netting inside, with small embroidered leaves. brim has wire reinforced front edge. Neck piece has net lining. Circa 1830s to 1840s. In the 19th century, straw bonnets, sometime referred to as "summer" hats, were a common choice in warm weather. While there was not a seasonal rule in place per say for wearing straw bonnets, 1861 Godey's Lady's Book (American Magazine) has straw bonnets as early as March and as late as November. While straw fabric existed, split straw plait was the most common material. Plait bonnets were available in a variety of colors with natural, black and white being the most popular choices. Height is 11 1/2", the brim is 23". The depth from front to back is 10 1/2". Both pieces of netting are deteriorating. Straw is cracked in a few small places on top of bonnet.
2007.00.30