Images(4)

Hat

Date1969

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Williamsburg

MediumStraw, Cotton, Synthetic Material (flowers)

DimensionsBrim Diameter: 19 inches

Credit LineGift of Patricia Hearn

Object number2019-97

DescriptionLarge pale-yellow fine straw hat. The low crown of the straw hat is trimmed with "field flowers” (poppies, daisies and cornflowers). A long green picot-edged velvet ribbon ties around the crown of the hat and to the sides to allow tying under the chin or back of the neck. The interior crown is edged with grosgrain ribbon. A small label is attached to the ribbon and says "Margaret Hunter Shop, Williamsburg, Va."
Label TextIn 1954, the Margaret Hunter millinery shop opened on the Duke of Gloucester street as an exhibition building that focused on clothing and textiles. Not only did the building show antiques, but it also made and sold 18th century styled hats. This hat was made by Julia Allgood for Patricia Hearn upon the completion of her master’s degree. Hearn wrote:

"This hat was “custom” made for me by the head milliner of the Margaret Hunter Shop, Julia Allgood, in the spring of 1969. While studying for a master’s degree in colonial American history at William & Mary, I had a scholarship in the Apprenticeship in the Interpretation of Historic Sites, a joint CW and W&M program. My master’s thesis was about the millinery trade in colonial Williamsburg. During the academic year, I worked on weekends at the Hunter Shop, helping interpret the milliners’ roles in the colonial town. CW found a costume for me...and I was thrilled to be in costume at the shop (and they appreciated an extra “apprentice”).

Julia Allgood created beautiful hats; she carefully selected appropriate materials of high quality. I asked for “field flowers” (poppies, daisies and cornflowers) and green picot-edged ribbon. Mrs. Allgood made the hat in the spring of 1969 as I finished my study at W&M. I think it cost about $25 (which may have been discounted).

My first job after graduate school was curator of furnishings for the state historic sites in Raleigh, NC...and I just didn’t find occasions to wear the hat...nonetheless, I enjoyed the memories it held over the years of carefully moving it about with me!"

InscribedMarked with a printed label on the interior

Margaret Hunter Millinery
Williamsburg, Va
ProvenanceMade by Julia Allgood for Patricia Hearn upon completing her master's degree at the College of William and Mary in 1969.