Summary

Child's white cotton hat with extra brim of cotton lawn gathered to base of crown. Used circa 1910. Belonged to Elizabeth 'Betty' Anderson of 'Mynda', Molesworth Street, Kew.

Betty (Elizabeth) was the daughter of James Caldwell Anderson and Mary Lloyd Anderson, and grand-daughter of renowned architect Lloyd Tayler. Born in 1889, Betty was one of four siblings, all of whom she outlived. The family lived at 'Mynda', 5 Molesworth Street, Kew, Melbourne. Betty served in the Red Cross during World War I, although details are confined to a nurse's apron and a photograph. She never married, and lived to the age of 92, passing away in 1982.

A photograph of Betty as a child wearing a similar hat is held at the State Library of Victoria - Image H83.94/407. Museum Victoria also holds negatives of two family photographs dated to the early 20th century.

Physical Description

Child's white cotton hat with extra brim of stiffened machine embroidered cotton lawn gathered and attached to base of crown. Separate piece crown. Attached by six buttons of cloth covered metal - two presently missing. Interior brim has slightly wavy edge and is stiffened by two double rows of machine stitched wire inserts. Vestiges of hat elastic visible at three points on inside brim.

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