Sun Bonnet
PeriodCirca 1870-1880
Place MadeNew Jersey, U.S.A.
MediumWoven cotton, lace
Dimensions12 × 12 in. (30.5 × 30.5 cm)
ClassificationsCostume, Women's
Credit LineMuseum Collection
Object number2024.510
DescriptionA woman's summer sun bonnet of pink and white woven cotton in a textured grid pattern. The sunbonnet includes a wide, deep brim stiffened with buckram or similar and narrow piping sewn along brim. The back of the bonnet is unlined and gathered along brim edge to create puffed fullness. The brim is edged with narrow white cotton machine made lace. Two simple chin ties are sewn to the bottom edge of the brim to fasten beneath the wearer's chin.NotesThis charming cotton sunbonnet, including a lace-edged corded brim, was made sometime around 1865. These were for casual occasions, meant to protect the wearer's face from the sun (not a bad idea before sunscreen was invented). And they were very popular while soaking up the sea air along the Jersey shore as well! This bonnet was worn by an unidentified Conover family member possibly while visiting Long Branch sometime after the Civil War and donated to the Association in the 1960s.
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