Majorette Uniform Hat
Period1952-1954
Place MadeNew Jersey, United States
MediumLeather, plastic, goldtone metal, cotton
Dimensions6.5 × 8 in. (16.5 × 20.3 cm)
ClassificationsCostume, Women's
Credit LineGift of Carl Beams, 2022
Object number2022.6.2
DescriptionA majorette's uniform hat in a cylindrical shape with a flat crown and a narrow downturned front brim. The sides of the hat are covered in a plastic coated pale yellow marbelized material with white vinyl brim, leather chin strap, and light yellow synthetic leather crown. The front of the hat is ornamented with a goldtone metal American eagle and a gold braid swag. The front center of the crown retains a small steel tab flange to accomodate a removable plume or feather.NotesJanet Matthews, daughter of Isabelle Moreau (1905-1997) and Kenneth K. Matthews (died 1957), was born in May of 1938. She had a brother named Kenneth J Matthews (died 1994) who became the reverend at the First Presbyterian Church of Freehold. Her father died when she was about 19 years old. Janet was a part of many extracirculars including Girl Scouts and 4-H Club. She joined the Junior Varsity cheer team at Freehold High School in November 1952. A description of the uniforms for both the varsity and J.V. teams at the time are very different from this uniform. In December 1953, Janet offically became a majorette and advanced quickly. Along with Pat Tuveson, Janet was a head majorette by her junior year of high school in 1954. By 1955, she was the only head majorette and was creating all of the new team routines herself. It was announced in June of 1956 that Janet was to marry Paul H. Ekdahl and that she was set to attend the Wilfred Academy of Hair and Beauty Culture in Newark. Ekdahl worked for the Moreau Plant Company. Janet's mother had been remarried to Frank J. Moreau (died 1967). Janet and Paul were officially married in July of 1957.
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