40s Navy Straw Tilt Wide Brim Hat
$45.00

From the estate of Eric Parkman Smith of Concord, MA, who recently passed at age 97. Mr. Smith was an avid historian who traced his Concord lineage back to 1630. Much more information can be found by doing a web search for “Eric Parkman Smith”. This hat belonged to Mr. Smith’s mother, Helen Train Blanchard Smith. She was one of three Blanchard sisters in Concord who married three Smith brothers. As a young girl, she met Louisa May Alcott, before the author of “Little Women” died at age 55. Louisa inscribed a copy of ‘Little Women’ to the little women of Blanchard house. This book, now ragged and tattered from hundreds of readings by ‘the little women,’ their children, and grandchildren, became the prized possession of the Smith family.

Gorgeous vintage late 1930’s or early 40’s wide brim tilt hat by Martha Gene is fashioned from navy straw. A swath of wide navy grosgrain ribbon decorates the crown of the hat. This hat is meant to be worn tilted forward over the brow. An elastic cord slips over the back of the head. Measures 21” around the inside of the crown and 12 1/2” across. Labeled size 22 1/2.

This hat is in excellent condition.