Genealogy Chat

I've just received a copy of a photo taken in Ontario, Canada, dated 1915-1918. The photo shows seven children standing in front of what looks to be a house. The two older boys, possibly ages 12-14, are wearing something similar to "campaign" hats, that have one side of the brim turned up. All children are wearing hats; the two younger boys are not wearing the same style.

I've googled various sites and cannot find any old photos of boys wearing similar "campaign" hats. Would anyone know, please, if this was a common clothing style for that era?

Could it be cubs or scouts or some form of club.?

1910

Word of Guiding spread in Canada like wild fire! Companies sprang up in several communities across Canada. The 1st St. Catharines' Company (St. Catharines, Ontario) has the honour of being recognized as the FIRST REGISTERED company in Canada. Their registration is dated January 11,1910. There is some dispute as to where the first company actually was opened as several were opened about the same time in Toronto, Ontario and Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and Winnipeg, Manitoba. Paperwork counts!

As families immigrated to Canada, girls who had been Guides in England wanted to continue in their new home community. Many companies were opened across the country


Linda

Hi Linda. The photograph is very faint, but it looks like they aren't wearing uniform shirts (all of the children are wearing coats). I'm involved in the Scouting programme, so I would be thrilled to find out if my rellies were as well.

Keeping my fingers crossed that the hats weren't everyday wear. :) Thank you for your reply, Linda. :)

PS Thank you for the information. I hadn't seen that! My "council" is the 22nd council in the United States and I know a lot about it's history, but hadn't checked on the Canadian history. Thank you again. :)

nudge, please

last nudge, in case someone knows about 1915 fashion

Found this quote:

"Through the World War I era, the campaign hat worn by American soldiers was fairly soft and the brim was often curved or folded to the wearer's liking."

Rose

Hello Rose. I don't believe this part of the family ever visited the states or had any rellies who were living in the states, but your information does prove that a similar hat was worn in North America.

Hi Judy, I found catalogues on CollectionsCanada - very interesting. Thank you very much for the idea of looking at catalogues! Didn't see anything that looked like their hats, but I hadn't realized there were so many to chose from! I've contacted my mum's cousin (who sent the email), to see if she knows more about the boys.

Judy, I took several photographs to a local museum and someone was able to date a couple of them to within 1 year. If you are interested, perhaps there's a museum around you where you could have your photo dated to give you a more accurate date. (I'm going to try to have the same man look at this photo as well, when we can get there again.)

Rose and Judy, thank you both very much for your suggestions. It is really appreciated!

PS Judy, only the porch is visible and it looks like a neighbouring house is quite close.