Bellingham Beauty in a Velvet Hat
Western Washington winters can be cold and dreary, but this young woman was prepared for any weather in her close-fitting velvet hat and fur jacket. The turned-up brim of her wonderful hat is the same as the lining within and may simply be a contrasting velvet, but looks more like seal fur. The brim is held in place with a double-ended hat ornament. She is wearing a glass or metal bead necklace, which can barely be seen against her dark dress, partially buried beneath the lush fur of her coat. With her cold-weather clothing and impish grin, she truly does look ready for anything. This picture can be dated to circa 1915 with great accuracy because it was taken by James Grosart, a Scottish immigrant whose studio was at 1211 Dock Street in Bellingham, Washington. City records show that he was only at this location from 1913 until 1918 and that Dock Street became Cornwall Street in 1922.
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