Hat, 1955-1965

Hat, 1955-1965

Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1897 Elizabeth Parke married Harvey S. Firestone Jr., son of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, in 1921.Once described by a friend as, "the most luxurious woman in the history of luxury," Elizabeth Parke Firestone's clothing collection illustrates her impeccable taste in fashion.

Skullcaps, 1955-1965

Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1897 Elizabeth Parke married Harvey S. Firestone Jr., son of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, in 1921.Once described by a friend as, "the most luxurious woman in the history of luxury," Elizabeth Parke Firestone's clothing collection illustrates her impeccable taste in fashion.

Sou'wester Hat, 1956-1965

This style of hat is referred to as a Sou'wester. This name was originally given to hats worn by sailors at sea to protect them from rain and the stormy sea. It is characterized by a waterproof material and a brim that widens at the back to protect the neck. The shape was eventually adopted and used in fashionable women's wear, such as this example. The bright color, flowers, and straw indicate that this hat was likely worn seasonally in the spring and summer.

Women's black pillbox hat with horsehair frame from the 1960s

Woman's black pillbox hat with horsehair frame entirely covered with shirred black net. Narrow velvet ribbon around edge. Long black face veil edged with grosgrain ribbon ties around neck to pouff veil out. Pale pink satin rosebuds scattered across hat and veil. Label: Ruth Joyce Originals, Detroit.