How The Red Hat Society Began

The history of the of the Red Hat Society began in the sunny city of Tucson, Arizona. A woman by the name of Sue Ellen meandered along a thrift shop looking for things she might like to buy. She decided on buying a bright red fedora hat that struck her fancy.

That bright red fedora has now become the symbol of the Red Hat Society. A few years after buying the hat she happened upon a poem "Warning", written by the author Jenny Joseph. In the poem, a woman explains how she would like to act when she is older.

"When I am an old woman I shall wear purple, with a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me. And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves, and satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter." At the end of the poem she explains that she knows she presently needs to continue to be a good example to those around her. However, she also believes she ought to practice living the way she would like to now a little, so people won't be too shocked when she suddenly is an older woman and she wears purple.

The poem became Sue Ellen's inspiration for a birthday gift for her friend. She presented the poem, along with a vintage red hat, to her friend Linda Murphy. She had hopes Linda would like it and perhaps use it as a fun decoration by hanging the hat next to the framed poem.

Sue didn't realize what a hit the poem would be to Linda, and eventually others. Linda loved the gift so much that she presented it to other friends, and they presented it to others. Ms. Joseph's poem was an instant success among many of Sue and Linda's friends.

These ladies that were presented the poems and red hats decided to get together and enjoy each others company. They decided to get together for tea in the regalia of the poem: purple dresses with red hats that didn't go. This is when the first "Red Hat Society" tea occurred.

That was when the first official Red Hat Society tea began. Each member of the Red Hat Society continued to invite new members, and the number of members and red hats began to grow. Now there are many sibling groups celebrating across the Nation.

The Red Hat Society was founded on a simple, yet important idea. Don't save everything that you can enjoy in life until you are old. Life is meant to be celebrated, here and now.

Hip Hop 50's Shop specializes in Children and Adult Poodle Skirts, crinoline slips, saddle oxford shoes and complete 50's costumes. We are passionate about Sock Hops and the 1950's, so our experts share tons of advice and tips on our blog. Come visit anytime.