Greencastle, PA

History:  The Great Depression and Franklin Roosevelt’s “Happy Days are Here Again” – America put their trust in Roosevelt and his many programs that would hopefully pull them out of the deep depression.  Hitler became Germany’s dictator in 1934 and in 1939 Britain and France declared war on September 3 and WWII began.

Fashion:  A more feminine look replaced the boyish ‘20’s styles.  Curves were back with bias cuts accentuating the hips and flaring out at the hemline.  The hour-glass figure came in during the second half of the decade.  Vogue and McCall’s printed patterns for home sewers.

Hats:  The floppy brimmed and asymmetrical cloche was still popular in the early ‘30’s.  The slouch hat was worn at an angle.  Older hats were modernized by changing the trims.  With hair hairstyles, the hats grew in size – toques, turbans, and high-tilted berets.

ca. 1930–1940 A black ‘slouch’ hat of felt. 

This hat is a very simple, soft design that has become a classic.  The hat is meant to be worn at a rakish angle. One can imagine it on someone the likes of Greta Garbo.

ca. 1930–1940 Pink straw hat with low crown and brim which widens at the front. 

It has matching bouquets of pink flowers on either side of the crown and brim as well as the ubiquitous veil.  Unfortunately, there is no maker’s name.

ca. 1930–1942 A purple hat of (man-made?) straw made to be worn titled a little forward. 

The crown is lavishly trimmed with purple blossoms.  Its condition is very good and apparently it wasn’t overly worn.