Top Hat
PeriodCirca 880 - 1900
Place MadeNew York, New York, U.S.A.
MediumBeaver, silk grosgrain, leather
Dimensions8 × 10 × 12 in. (20.3 × 25.4 × 30.5 cm)
SignedThe hat is stamped "BURKE / 210 BROADWAY / NEW YORK" on the inside top of the hat. Gilt monogram letters C J P below.
ClassificationsCostume, Men's
Credit LineGift of the Cape May County Historical Museum, 2023
Object number2023.1.2
DescriptionA man's top hat of glossy black beaver, with a shaped and curved brim edged with silk grosgrain, flared sides, and flat top. A small circular black metal vent is inserted at the top center. The hat includes a 1" silk grosgrain hatband, a tan silk lining, and a wide leather sweatband liner.Curatorial RemarksAlthough the top hat is easily one of the most recognizable hat form for men, the form actually underwent numerous changes in silhouette over the decades of its popularity. Beginning in the late 18th century, top hats were not just for formal wear but were worn routinely for day wear. Charles Parker's top hat is the typical late 19th century silhouette, with the flared and relatively short sides, flat crown, and distinctly curved and shaped brim. A comparison of Charles Parker's top hat along side his father Joel Parker's earlier top hat reveals the change in form to this popular headwear style.NotesThis top hat was owned and worn by Charles Joel Parker (1848 - 1917). Parker was born in Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey. His father, Joel Parker (1816 - 1888) was Governor of New Jersey for two non-consecutive terms, elected in 1861 and again in 1871. Charles attended the Freehold Institute, then graduated from Princeton College (now Princeton University.) After graduation, he studied in his father's law office, then in his maternal uncle Barker Gummere's law firm. In 1873 Charles passed the bar and began practicing law first in Asbury Park, then in Manalapan. Charles Parker served on the Manasquan Board of Education for more than 30 years.Parker married Alida Marcellus in 1877 and the couple had three sons and five daughters. Parker died on March 26, 1917 at the age of 68. He was buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Brielle, New Jersey. The Association also has a top hat worn by Charles' father, Joel Parker, at his 1872 inauguration.
Collections
