Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1873-08-20
Glass Bonnets.
THE LATEST NOVELTY FOR LADIES.

Whatever may be said of the aim
or result of the Vienna Exposition, it
has certainly been the means Of bring
ing together tho choicest products Of
the world, and of giving the people Of
various nations new ideas concerning
matters Of which they had never be-
fore thought. In no direction has q
wider range been given than in the
manufacture Of glass, and new forms,
designs and uses Of this material arc
now presented to the world for the
hrst time. Conspicuous among these
is lady's bonnet or head dress, which
for elegance and beauty cannot be ex-
celled. The idea of glass hat is GER
tainly novel, and many objections
might be made TO it on account of the
fragile material, but in reality the
glass is much stronger and more dura-
bio than the delicate material now in
use for the same purpose.
These articles, as may be imagined,
como from Bohemia, and they have
already gained a fair share Of popu-
larity. Specimens have been sent to
Paris and London, and that we should
not be behind hand in 30 important
matter, an enterprising firm in West
ern Pennsylvania have imported quite
number, and will Immediately begin
their manufacture, to be ready for the
fall season. lu
These hats are of the most delicate
and beautiful designs, and such is their
adaptability to all costumes and occa-
sions that they will probably soon
como into universal use. The body of
tho hat is made of loosc pieces of fine
glass, fastened closely together by
gutta percha band, which allows it TO
conform to the head Inside there is
a lining of silk, which is tho only
piece of fabric used in the manufac.
ture. Tho trimmings on the outside
are after the prevailing mode, consist
ing Of wreath flowers, feathers and
ribbons, all made of delicately spun
glass of wonderful beauty. OF course
all the trimmings have their natural
colors, and by patent process the
CLASSY appearance is so well subdued
that the material is not Suspected
The most beautiful humming birds
and flowers are used for Ornamental
tion, and colored so naturally that in
appearance they are far superior TO
the usual artificial goods.
1t is almost incredible the small
amount of glass that enters into the
construction of one of these hats, for
tho thread is 80 fine that great space
is covered without any peroeptible IN
crease in the weight. They weigh but
low ounces, OF about ono- fifth the
average weight of the present style.
With the care that is usually given by
lady to new hat, these articles
will outlast twenty Of them, for there
is no wear to them moisture will not
stain them, and ii dust slsOuld settle
to dim their beauty, it is readily re-
moved by a gentle spray of water
The colors arc 30 blended that for Or
dinary occasions they present a gen.
cral neutral tint, but at small addi.
tional expense they can be made to
flash and sparkle like diamonds, eth
er in the sunlight for carriage cos
tune or in the blaze of ball room,
or at the opera. Their cost is insig.
niflcant, and as it is understood sew.
eral we'll known firms are going into
the business extensively, they may
soon be expected upon our Streets
1t is probable, however, they will not
be readily known, as the resemblance
TO the genuine materials Is 80 great.