Hats, gloves and the DAR

Martha Devotion Huntington Chapter members dressed in high style, from left: Carol Radowenchuk, Lucy Sekerka, Deb Marisch and Jane Baran.

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Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) recently traveled back in time by means of a vintage hat fashion show and afternoon tea. Bay Village’s Martha Devotion Huntington Chapter co-sponsored the event with Strongsville’s Hannah Luther Bosworth Chapter and Western Reserve - Lakewood Chapter on March 4 at LeCentre in Westlake.

Eighty members from 11 Ohio DAR chapters and their guests dressed in period attire from the 1900s and earlier to present day. Hats and gloves were a must!

Before the tea, funds to support the upkeep of Christian Waldschmidt House near Cincinnati were raised for the Ohio Society DAR by means of a quilt raffle and sale of State Regent DAR items.

The afternoon tea offered finger sandwiches, deviled eggs and delicate cake as well as a variety of tea. Afternoon tea was introduced in Britain in the early 1840s as a mini meal to stem the hunger before the 8:p.m. evening meal. According to the "dos and don’ts" of afternoon tea, it is polite to look into – not over – your teacup when sipping!

The program following the tea was a vintage hat fashion show, "Fashion Through the Decades," presented by the Westshore Ladies whose programs support the mission. Models wore hats from the 1900s to present day. There were bonnets, head bands and hats requiring hat pins.

The hats were adorned with plumage and lace veils and were described as "pancake, cloche, pillbox and tulip hats." The styles reflected the time, with the most ornate hats being worn before World War I. Hats also changed with the hairstyles. Movie stars as well as first ladies set trends in hats.

Presiding officer Leanne McGann, Martha Devotion Huntington Chapter regent, concluded the meeting. Chapter chaplain Cheryl Distin provided the gathering with a benediction, bringing to a close an afternoon of delight.

Daughters of the American Revolution have proven lineal descent from a Revolutionary War ancestor. For membership information, contact Martha Devotion Huntington Chapter registrar     Doris Gorgas, lablady76@wowway.com.