Woman's Bonnet

This is a spoonbill bonnet dating between 1850 and 1860. The brim of a spoon bill bonnet flares out to frame the face, maintaining the bavolet popular in the 1840s. This bonnet is covered with blue taffeta over cording made of cane, achieving a shirred effect. There is evidence of damage from years of wear as well as alterations made to the bonnet. The inside reveals loose stitches and damage to the fabric from an adhesive. This suggests that the owner tried to add or take away details over time in an attempt to adapt to current trends. Additionally, evidence of photo degradation is apparent resulting in varying shades of blue.

This bonnet was donated by Kingston resident Mrs. John Weldin. When this bonnet was worn, Kingston was much different than is it today. The bonnet predates the establishment of the Kingston Railroad Station and the University of Rhode Island. By 1840, building activity had peaked. Yet the court met in Kingston, attracting lawyers and other professionals. A savings bank was established in the 1850s, and the Kingston seminary opened in 1853. This bonnet saw its fair share of progress.

References

Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission. Historic and Architectural Resources of South Kingstown, Rhode Island: A Preliminary Report. Providence, RI, 1984.

http://www.preservation.ri.gov/pdfs_zips_downloads/survey_pdfs/south_kingstown.pdf