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Gift of Mrs. Elisha H. Cooper, 1957.49.3  © 2009 The Connecticut Historical Society.
Bonnet
Gift of Mrs. Elisha H. Cooper, 1957.49.3 © 2009 The Connecticut Historical Society.

Bonnet

Dateabout 1840-1850
MediumHand-stitched braided straw or grass with loosely woven lining fabric, thread-covered wire, and later additions of lace, ribbons, and artificial flowers
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 10 x 7 1/2 x 11 1/4in. (25.4 x 19.1 x 28.6cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Elisha H. Cooper
DescriptionWoman's bonnet of finely braided straw or braided grass originally lined with a loosely woven strip of fabric in the crown and under the entire brim. The brim is 5 inches deep at the center top and curves for 26 inches around the face. The sides of the brim drop down below the crown, with the ends of the brim curving almost to a point before the curve smoothes out, connecting to the crown. The crown is 5 inches deep and 5 inches in diameter at its round top. A curtain of straw is attached to the base of the crown and the brim. Over this piece is stitched a curtain ( or "bavolet") of grey and white striped silk ornamented with a row of very fine straw braid. This is stiffened with a starched net lining. The decorations added later to the bonnet include a three-inch-wide insertion of machine-made bobbin lace, with a cream-colored, 5/8-inch-wide ribbon, stitched around the outside of the brim and over the seam of crown and brim. There is also a confection of flowers stamped from fabric and attached to covered wires, in shades of white, pink, and green. The pink lining under the brim and matching ties have machine-stitching.
Object number1957.49.3
Subject Terms
    On View
    Not on view
    Gift of Harriette Harrison, 1960.77.14  © 2009 The Connecticut Historical Society.
    Unknown
    1855-1865
    Gift of Mrs. Frank M. Chapin, 1953.19.14  © 2009 The Connecticut Historical Society.
    Louisa Nichols
    about 1860
    Gift of Harriette Harrison, 1960.77.15  © 2009 The Connecticut Historical Society.
    Unknown
    about 1835-1840
    Gift of the Maison Company, 1985.24.2  © 2009 The Connecticut Historical Society.
    Unknown
    1860-1870
    Gift of Mariette Newman Fitch, 1952.69.39  © 2009 The Connecticut Historical Society.
    Unknown
    about 1860-1865
    Gift of Mrs. Elisha H. Cooper, 1957.49.4  © 2009 The Connecticut Historical Society.
    Unknown
    1858-1865
    Gift of the estate of Eveline W. Brainerd, 1950.159.17  © 2009 The Connecticut Historical Socie…
    Brainard family
    1858-1868
    Gift of Adah Danielson, 1961.11.5  © 2009 The Connecticut Historical Society.
    Danielson family
    about 1850-1855
    Gift of Mrs. Leon Hart, in memory of George F. Spencer and his daughter, Martha Linsley Spencer…
    Unknown
    1880-1885
    Gift of Mariette Newman Fitch, 1952.69.16  © 2009 The Connecticut Historical Society.
    Unknown
    about 1865
    Gift of Adah Danielson, 1961.11.3  © 2009 The Connecticut Historical Society.
    Danielson family
    about 1850-1855