Oh, I could write a sonnet about your Easter bonnet,
And of the girl I’m taking to the Easter parade.
–Irving Berlin, 1933

Thanks to the worldwide pandemic, there won’t be an Easter Hat Parade in New York City this year or, for the matter, anywhere else in the United States. Of course, nothing says you can’t whip up a crazy Easter bonnet and strut around the front yard. Just be sure and stay six feet away from everyone if you do it. 😉

If you need some inspiration for your hat, check out these terrific photos of an Easter Hat Parade at a public school in Iowa. These were taken between 1970 and 1972, and feature first-wave Gen-Xers.

Easter Hat Contest and Parade 1970 Davenport Iowa

I have no idea how these girls and their moms or dads made these hats without big-box craft stores like Hobby Lobby and Michaels. I couldn’t make some of these hats if I had *all* the supplies. Also, every girl appears to have won a blue ribbon. We now know who is to blame for the proliferation of participation awards! It’s the fine people of Davenport, Iowa.

At this time, I would also like to turn your attention to the curious condition of the stuffed animal bunnies in the picture. Interestingly, they appear to have human faces, which is slightly terrifying. They remind me of the crocheted. rubber-face dolly tea towels of the same era. (Also terrifying.) In addition, pastel yellow dresses with matching leotards are a completely divine look for a monochromatic-leaning introvert like me. I would like to have this outfit. Finally, according to this picture you CAN wear red on Easter.

Black and White Easter Hat Parade Photos

1971 – 2nd Graders (Born around 1963-64)

1972: 1st Graders, born around 1965-66.

1971: Kindergartners, born around 1966-67.

1972: 1st Graders

1970: Kindergartners, a.k.a., the First Gen-Xers, born around 1965.

There will never be enough quality candids of Gen-Xers. Photography took a nose-dive in the 1970s making these high-caliber images of this Easter hat parade such a treasure. They are also to be cherished for an America that has completely disappeared. Gone are the days when public school children erected crosses on Easter bonnets and paraded in their Sunday best in the school cafetorium.

Who didn’t love the cafetorium?

I hope your Easter weekend gets off to a great start. Look for two more Easter-related posts between now and Sunday. It’s my favorite time of year! Also, remember, you’re always in my prayers as we move toward this most important Christian festival.

1969: The Oldest Gen-Xers and Some of the Youngest Boomers

If you liked this post, I invite you to check out Hilarious and Occasionally Scary Easter Bunnies (Pictures) and this post featuring our Silent Generation Mothers at Easter time.

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