Scots bonnets in the fur trade

[IsaacW]

I thought I would share this as some of you may find it interesting and may even have something to share or add to further educate me. This is a blog post I made on the use of Scots Bonnets in the North American Fur Trade. This is just the start of my researching into this topic and I have seen a few more interesting things since originally writing this up.

http://frenchinwisconsin.com/2013/12...-and-the-west/

[JohntheBiker]

Given the strong presence of Scots in the Hudson's Bay Company, not surprising. There is a reason why Canada has been referred to as Scotland's colony.

[IsaacW]

Interestingly the NWCo (eventually merged with the HBC in 1821) was also EXTREMELY Scottish. Interestingly, I have not seen any bonnets mentioned in regards to them yet.

IW

[Nathan]

There was indeed a large presence of Scottish bonnets to be seen in the Canadian Fur trade but that's nothing compared to the amount of Scots bonnets seen in the Canadian Tire trade.







The Canadians online will certainly recognize the noble and cheerful visage of our thrifty National hero, Sandy McTire, an armiger of the McTire clan.

[Father Bill]

I prefer my Scotch bonnets in tomato sauce or other cooking.

[Nathan]

In all seriousness, though Isaac, a very interesting blog. I look forward to your further research. You should know that a lot of of the Western Metis were of partial Scots ancestry. Much of the metis fiddle repertoire is of Scots origin, as are their dances.

[IsaacW]

In all seriousness, though Isaac, a very interesting blog. I look forward to your further research. You should know that a lot of of the Western Metis were of partial Scots ancestry. Much of the metis fiddle repertoire is of Scots origin, as are their dances.

Indeed! I am glad you enjoyed it and, although the blog is more devoted to the French in the fur trade, there will be more Scots mentioned in the future.

Canadian Tire... Whew! That is funny stuff.

[Elf]

Interestingly the NWCo (eventually merged with the HBC in 1821) was also EXTREMELY Scottish. Interestingly, I have not seen any bonnets mentioned in regards to them yet.

IW

Working in HBC living history in the west, I see a lot of bonnets. I would further note that many former NWCo employees were relegated to the far west (Columbia Department) where their more colorful ways would be less disruptive. I concure that we see the bonnets on the working class. The "gentlemen" class, i.e. educated management, although being scots, were more likely to show it in tartan fabric, especially tartan shawls for their wives. At Nisqually it is noted that Dr William Tolmie, from Inverness, used a tartan shawl on the parlor table.

What is most interesting to me from the O.P. article are the hats with dicing, Tourie, and bill. I only see such "weather tams" in fur trade drawings. Anyone have any evidence for them in Scotland?

[IsaacW]

I have only seen them worn on Indians and métis. Here is an original Ute indian cap of interesting construction...
https://ids.si.edu/ids/viewTile/H/5f...les/10/1_0.jpg

[IsaacW]

Here is a photo of the Ute cap