Hat
Period1868
MediumSilk, lace, ostrich feathers, braided straw
Dimensions2 × 7 in. (5.1 × 17.8 cm)
ClassificationsAccessories, Women's
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Ellen Adams, 2006
Object number2006.15.1
DescriptionA woman's hat in an early pillbox style described in period fashion publications as a "toquet." Black silk is box pleated vertically around a black dyed braided straw form. Short curled black dyed ostrich feathers are sewn to the toquet's flat crown and hang over the front. Black spotted net lace is attached in ruffled pleats at back, with two 18 inch long streamers edged with scalloped black net lace. The interior of the hat is lined with fine black silk.NotesJulia Norton was born in Buffalo, NY, on 19 November 1838, a daughter of Charles Norton (1805 - 1870) and Julia A. Maltby (1804 - 1875). Between 1854 and 1861, the four Norton children moved to San Francisco, CA. Their parents moved to join them in the winter of 1862. In the spring of 1861, Julia became engaged to Benjamin Minturn Hartshorne (1826 - 1900), son of Robert Hartshorne (1798 - 1872) and Mary Ann Minturn (1802 - 1861) of Highlands, NJ. The couple married in San Francisco on 13 February 1862. Julia and Benjamin had three children: Julia Norton (b. 1863), Robert (1866 - 1927), and Mary Minturn (b. 1867). From May through November of 1868, Julia, Benjamin and their three children made an extended visit to the east coast, staying at Portland with Ben's father. They also visited friends and relatives in the New York area. Shortly after returning to San Francisco, Julia Hartshorne contracted a serious illness requiring the care of physician Dr. Charles Bertody from 4 December through 3 February 1869. On 5 December 1868, the doctor vaccinated Ben and the children. This suggests that Julia may have been suffering from smallpox, as the vaccine for it was the only one in common usage at that time. Julia Norton Hartshorne died on 3 February 1869 at the age of thirty. For more biographical information, including letters by her father-in-law Robert Hartshorne describing his son's wife to other family members, please see the portrait of Julia Norton Hartshorne 1999.7. The Association also has a portrait miniature of Julia Hartshorne (please see 2018.10.1.)
Collections
ProvenanceJulia Norton Hartshorne (1837 - 1869) to her husband Benjamin Minturn Hartshorne (1826 - 1900) to his son Robert Hartshorne (1866 - 1927) to his son Richard Hartshorne (1900 - 1958) to his sister Mary "Polly" Minturn Hartshorne Noonan (1897 - 1978) to her daughter Mary Ellen Noonan Adams (1922 - 2011) to her daughter and donor Mary Minturn Adams
