Polly Poppingay, Milliner

by Gertrude Newman

Historical novel set in the early 1900s about a girl with a flair for making hats, who spends a year with her aunt, a talented milliner.

226 pages, hardcover

First published January 1, 1943

Reviews

[Ellen]

Written in 1943 by Gertrude Newman, the historical fiction novel tells the story of Polly Poppingay, a young girl who visits her aunt in Cleveland (I do notice some descriptions say she was in New York, but my copy says Cleveland) for an entire school year. Polly, already creative and enthralled with the work of a milliner, immediately jumps in to assist her aunt where she can. Polly's year is spent having experiences she has never had before. She even begins her own business as a milliner for doll hats, and her clientele grows steadily. Not only does Polly learn about being a milliner, but she makes new friends. Her art teacher encourages her to continue to learn and to consider attending art school.