I realized, when I was looking for photos of people wearing hats, that people in my family just didn't wear hats very much, at least not very exciting ones. My husband's family has a few photo postcards of people with hats; the only problem is that we're not sure who they are, maybe cousins or in-laws. However, it's probably safe to assume that they were recent immigrants to upstate New York from Moravia or Bohemia at the time the photos were taken. Her hat looks classic 1920s.
Never mind his hat, I'd love to know more about the pipe.
I have plenty of cards that show big beautiful hats, including this one, with the generous addition of glitter.
It also has an amusing message on the back.
The message to Lloyd Robbins of Frankfort, New York was sent in November, 1907:
Would like to exchange postal if this card is ans. I will send better one
Lillian Rhodes
31 Maple Street
Gloversville
I didn't find anything definite about Lillian Rhodes, but Lloyd Robbins, born in 1897, seems to have been inducted into the military in 1918.
More exciting hats can be found at
Sepia Saturday.
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Three great pictures, but I do like the family group. I agree about the hat being a twenties cloche style, which became popular again in the seventies I think.
ReplyDeleteThat glitter sure was gilding the lily. I wonder what the "better" card would have been?
ReplyDeleteBarbara
Three fine cards; a pity we can't see all the man's pipe - I had a hat like his.
ReplyDeleteIndeed a classic 1920s hat, very nice!
ReplyDeleteNice cards and hats and a pipe. Love the one cent stamp!
ReplyDeleteIf that's Lillian on the front of the postcard, I'm sure Lloyd was eager to "exchange postal," whatever that meant. Was she seeking a penpal?
ReplyDeletethe pipe is fabulous!! never seen one like that!!..jaunty he is with that pipe and hat!
ReplyDeletelove the family photo!!..those little boys are darling!
Wonder just what Lillian had in mind!..and if Lloyd ever answered!
happy weekend!!!
That 20s cloche style is a favorite of mine. Just had dinner with a couple of friends, and they both (male and female) wore newsboy caps, just like the fellow with the pipe! Timeless style.
ReplyDeleteWendy,
ReplyDeleteYes, i think she was looking for a pen pal. I don't suppose they got married, but Lloyd and Lillian Robbins has a nice ring to it.
Is the man's hat called a flat cap, or a duncher? I like the family group photo. Those little boys are adorable. I'm always fascinated to see the old photos of boys wearing short pants and long stockings.
ReplyDeletei love that pipe too! what a great idea for a thematic post...you've inspired me with a fresh idea for my own blogs! happy PFF!
ReplyDeleteLovely photos.
ReplyDeleteI have been having trouble accessing your blog posts, the page loads but doesn't scroll or is blank, it seems to be an internet explorer issue as it is working now I am trying google chrome.
I'd wear the old boy's cap today, no problem! LOL
ReplyDeleteI love the first photo. The hat looks like it could be worn today, and the boys' outfits are really cute.
ReplyDeleteAll nice but I like the family photo too. The older boy looks so much like the woman.
ReplyDeleteYou're right about that pipe! You could dig for truffles with that if you turned it upside down! My family ancestors don't seem to wear hats either, so I turned to the Mister's side.
ReplyDeleteThat pipe is a humdinger! I would assume that pipe was used by only the best and most experienced pipe smokers. Haha. Great post. That first photo postcard is really classy.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, the cap on the gentleman is so familiar. So many photos of great uncles in Scotland wearing them.
ReplyDeleteI think I have already said this in another comment : but I will say it again - the golden age of the postcard coincided with the golden age of the hat. Indeed it almost seems that hats were created to fill the top quarter of the 4x6 format. Lovely examples.
ReplyDeleteThese are all great, the picture of the woman and her children is so sweet, the old man has so much character and the woman on the postcard is absolutely beautiful. I wish I had that one in my collection!
ReplyDeleteHats are a lost art. When in your town I like to go to John Helmer, Haberdasher, to see some of the fine cranial adornments. I nearly bought a fez last year, but couldn't really think where I could wear it.
ReplyDeleteI love these old postcards with the hats, they are artwork..The first of the relatives, is so distinct. I wonder if she made the hat she is wearing, the design in the stitches, it could be. I always find something interesting here on your posts...the pipe! OMG!
ReplyDeleteThe first photos are wonderful. But I get dozens of emails in my spam folder every week just like the message on that last card! Do you suppose Lloyd answered and then was overwhelmed with letters promising love if only he would send money to Lillian?
ReplyDelete