The poke bonnet is a historically significant piece of headwear that gained popularity in the early 19th century and continued to be a fashionable choice into the 1880s. This bonnet style, characterized by its wide, flaring brim that framed the face, was often made of straw and adorned with ribbons and fabric linings. The poke bonnet became a symbol of modesty and femininity, widely worn by women and girls during the Victorian era. Its resurgence in popularity during Laura Ingalls Wilder’s time was influenced by publications like Godey’s Lady’s Book, a prominent magazine that shaped women’s fashion and domestic ideals in the United States. It’s highly likely that Laura Ingalls Wilder, who paid keen attention to the fashion of her time, was inspired by the styles featured in such publications.
In Wilder’s book These Happy Golden Years, fashion plays a more prominent role than in her earlier works, reflecting Laura’s transition from a young girl into adulthood and eventually into marriage. As she sewed her new wardrobe, each garment and accessory represented her growing independence and her preparation for life as a married woman. Among these items was the memorable sage green poke bonnet, a piece of headwear that held both practical and sentimental value for Laura.
This particular poke bonnet, described vividly in the book, was made of rough straw and featured a lining of shirred blue silk, with wide blue ribbons that tied under her left ear. The blue of the silk and ribbons matched the color of Laura’s eyes, creating a striking and coordinated appearance that highlighted her features. The bonnet not only served to protect Laura from the sun but also framed her face in a way that accentuated her youthful beauty. The description of Carrie’s delighted sigh when she saw the hat for the first time underscores the bonnet’s charm and significance in Laura’s life.
Historically, the poke bonnet was more than just a fashion statement; it was an essential accessory that reflected the societal expectations of women during the 19th century. Women and girls were expected to dress modestly, and the poke bonnet, with its wide brim, helped maintain this modesty by shading the face and providing a sense of privacy. Additionally, the bonnet was often a symbol of a young woman’s transition into adulthood, as it was a common gift or purchase for girls reaching a certain age or stage in life.
Laura earned the money to purchase her poke bonnet by working for Miss Bell at the seamstress shop, and it was Miss Bell who crafted the hat for her. This detail not only highlights Laura’s growing sense of responsibility and self-reliance but also adds a layer of personal connection to the bonnet, making it a cherished item in her wardrobe.
While the original poke bonnet that Laura wore no longer exists, its detailed description in These Happy Golden Years allows readers and fans to recreate it. For those with a bit of sewing skill, a modern straw poke bonnet can be easily adjusted to resemble Laura’s iconic hat. By choosing a sage-green bonnet and lining it with blue silk, adding matching blue ribbons, and shaping the brim to match the style described in the book, one can craft a piece of history that pays homage to Laura Ingalls Wilder’s life and the fashion of her era.
Then, Laura unwrapped her hat. Carrie sighed with delight when she saw it.
It was a sage-green, rough straw, in poke-bonnet shape. It completely covered Laura’s head and framed her face with its flaring brim. It was lined with shirred silk, blue. Wide blue ribbons tied under her left ear and held the bonnet securely in place.
The blue of the lining, the blue ribbon bow, and the blue neck ribbon, exactly matched the blue of Laura’s eyes.
- Chapter 19 The Brown Poplin, These Happy Golden Years
The poke bonnet Laura wore is not just a piece of clothing; it is a symbol of her journey from girlhood to womanhood, encapsulating the historical context of the time and the personal growth of a young pioneer woman. Through her detailed writing, Wilder has preserved this small, yet significant, part of her life, allowing readers to appreciate both the historical and personal significance of such an item.
To make this like Laura’s poke bonnet, you need to line the inside with blue silk (or other blue fabric if you prefer not to use the more expensive silk), and swap out the brown ribbon ties to blue ones.
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