Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the National Red Hat Society? A: The Red Hat Society was founded by Sue Ellen Cooper. Sue Ellen had a friend who was about to turn fifty and was not happy with that. To cheer her, Sue Ellen found a copy of the Jenny Joseph poem entitled “When I am an Old Woman”. The poem begins-“When I am an old woman I shall wear purple with a red hat that doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me”. Inspired by the sentiment, Sue Ellen decided to purchase a red hat for her friend, give her a copy of the poem and take her to lunch for her birthday. They had so much fun they decided to do it again, ask some of their other friends to join them and so The Red Hat Society was born! Visit the website RedhatSociety.com. Q: What are the Red Hat Society rules? A: Two rules-you must wear a purple outfit with a red hat and you must be fifty years or older. Otherwise, the Red Hat Society is opposed to rules. Q: Why do some wear pink hats? A: Because of countless inquiries from younger women, (who now cannot wait to be fifty) the Red Hatters decided that women in training for their fantastic fifties don lavender outfits with pink hats. Since most members of the Fabulous Pinks are forty-something we’ve decided to switch from pink hats to red hats on our fifth anniversary as a society. Q: What do you do when you get together? A: Almost anything we want, as long as it is moral and legal. So far we have managed to stay out of jail. We go to tea, visit gardens, museums, have lunch, go to festivals and antique shopping. What we do best is turn heads wherever we go. Did you know that men love women in hats? Q: Are we accepting new members? A: Yes, For more information email our Princess Mother, or call 410-360-8960.