Fisherman’s Oilskin Hat

Description:

Gloucester fishermen working on the North Atlantic were exposed to harsh weather conditions. Waves and freezing rain splashed over the decks and into the dories while the men worked. For some measure of protection, fishermen in the 19th century wore oiled clothes, the precursors to today’s waterproof foul weather gear.

This hat, referred to as a “Cape Ann sou’wester” because of its wide use in the fisheries around Cape Ann, Mass., is made of soft oiled canvas and lined with flannel. It has an elongated brim in the back to keep water from running down the wearer’s neck and inside his clothing. Ear flaps for warmth are also part of the hat’s design.

A catalog from the 1883 International Fisheries Exhibition in London claimed that with the sou’wester, “no class of seamen were so comfortably clothed as the New England fishermen.” At the time of the exhibition’s opening, sou’westers cost about $6.50 per dozen.

This Cape Ann sou’wester was displayed at the London exhibition, courtesy of its manufacturer, A. J. Tower of Boston, Mass. It was part of a display of the latest gear used and worn by American fishermen.

Date Made: early 1880sUsed: late 19th centuryOn Exhibit: 1883

Place Made: United States: Massachusetts, BostonAssociated Place: Atlantic OceanOn Exhibit: United Kingdom: England, LondonCommonly Used: United States: Massachusetts, Cape Ann

Subject: FishingRelated Event: International Fisheries ExhibitionThe Development of the Industrial United States

Subject:

See more items in: Work and Industry: Fisheries, Clothing & Accessories, Work, Industry & Manufacturing

Exhibition: On the Water

Exhibition Location: National Museum of American History

Related Web Publication: http://americanhistory.si.edu/onthewater

Related Publication: On the Water online exhibition

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 2009.0157.03Catalog Number: 102126Accession Number: 2009.0157

Object Name: hat, sou'wester

Physical Description: cotton canvas (overall material)flannel lining (overall material)Measurements: overall: 24 cm x 50 mm x 41 cm; 9 7/16 in x 1 15/16 in x 16 1/8 in

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a6-c1dc-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_859468

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