bonnetbannerwmscrk1.jpg
HomeGirls DressesGirls Bonnets and ApronsGirls Sleepwear & MoreLadiesBoysAbout William's Creek

Girls Bonnets and Aprons
The selection of bonnets shown are those that coordinate with the dresses on display.
There are many to choose from, not just the selection shown here.
As always, you are encouraged to use your imagination and mix it up as they did on the prairie.
Bonnets and dresses did not always match. 

ThomasPhoto.JPG

_________________________________________________________________________ 

Bonnets

Wide brimmed bonnets worn by girls and women were not only a basic part of fashion and custom,

but also a necessary accessory to protect against the harsh summer and winter winds out on the prairie. 

For everyday wear, bonnets were hand made from scraps of old, worn out dresses and usually did not match the dress.

Indoors, the brim was folded back.  This made it so much easier to see what was going on, particularly in a cold schoolroom.

On a beautiful spring day, girls slid the bonnet off their head.  It was worn on the back, still tied around their neck,

always at the ready in case a storm kicked up.

I always told the girls coming into my shop that this was kind of the first hoody.

____________________________________________________________________________________________ 

 

 

bonnetburgcr2398.JPG

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Bonnets

Protection from the wind and the rain was vital out on the prairie because the

biggest reason bonnets were worn was to keep the hair clean. 

Without running water (the rivers and streams were frozen in the winter), the hair had to stay

as clean as possible throughout the winter because it could not be washed. 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

bonnetoldrose2526.JPG

________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

 Traditional June Weddings

The tradition of June weddings had its start in early America out on the prairie.  

It was because the rivers were frozen, the pioneers waited until June for the rivers to run free so that everyone could take a bath for the wedding. 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Bonnetblueconfetti1.jpg

 

 Girls Bonnets

To see all the bonnets available visit: www.etsy.com/shop/williamscreeek

 

Girls Aprons

Girls aprons are made from 100% cotton muslin just as they were in the 1800's.

For sizing information and pricing visit: www.etsy.com/shop/williamscreek  

 

 

aprons1.jpg

 ______________________________________________________________________________

Aprons

Aprons were worn for one purpose only. 

To keep their dress clean.  Out on the prairie, there weren't any stores and everything had to be made by hand.

Girls usually had one dress that was worn every day.  

Young girls donned their apron before their morning chores.  Many wore that same apron to school.

Working in the fields and gardens and feeding the livestock were  a normal part of the daily routine

and trousers were not accepted as proper attire for young ladies and women. 

____________________________________________________________ 

 

Joeysgirls11.08.17.jpg

Taking a Vintage Photo

Taking a vintage photo, or one that makes it look like it happened 150 years ago, requires two things.

One, convert the photo to black and white or sepia and two, no smiling.

In photos that were actually taken many years ago, it is quite noticable that most folks were not smiling.

The reason is simple.  Without the dental care we have today, teeth were horribly decayed or missing.  

Joey's girls at Greenfield Village, The Henry Ford in Dearborn, MI. 

 

______________________________________________________________________________________