Lovely ladies wearing shades of purple, and donning large red hats, can be seen just about everywhere these days, from your local theaters and restaurants to the back of Harley-Davidson motorcycles in local parades. Members of the Red Hat society have made their way to our towns and into our hearts. “Silliness is the comedy relief of life,” said Sue Ellen Cooper, queen mother of the Red Hat ladies. “We share a bond of affection, forged by common life experiences and a genuine enthusiasm for life and wherever it takes us next.” Cooper founded the society a year ago after purchasing a vintage red hat, simply because she “thought she looked dashing.” Years later, she read the poem “Warning” by Jenny Joseph, that contains the classic lines, “When I am an old lady I shall wear purple, with a red hat that doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me, and I shall spend my pension on Brandy and summer gloves and satin sandals.” With this poem in mind, Cooper donned her bright outfit, invited friends for tea, and the society was born. Irene Zubach, supervisor of the Mt. Pleasant senior center, started a Red Hat society at the center two months ago, and the idea is a grand hit. More than 30 ladies already signed up with their red hats ready to go. “I thought it was a good idea,” Zubach said. “There are other groups in the area and I thought we’d just see if we could have one here also.” The ladies meet monthly for a luncheon meeting, and take the time to go over the numerous ideas for trips, shows, dinners and teas that Zubach comes up with every month. “Different people give me different ideas,” Zubach said. “We’ve gone to see bagpipers and we just went and did a tour of the brewery in Latrobe.” At the July meeting, several options for outings were presented to the ladies, which included a show at Applehill Playhouse, lunch at Miss Martha’s Tearoom, a trip to the Grove City Outlets, a tour of the Grist Mill, and a two-day Red Hat Society Ladies Get-a-way. “We have fun,” member Ruth Pologruto said. “I enjoy the companionship.” “It’s something for us to do and be in good company as we do it,” member Libby Johnson said. “And we exchange our cute little stories,” Pauline Pallitta added. The ladies had an interesting time at the recent firefighters’ fair parade held in June. Several of them hopped on the backs of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and joined in, being by far the most colorful and exciting group at the event. “It was my first time and last time,” Johnson said, laughing. “Believe me, once was enough.” The Red Hat ladies will be making another appearance at the Mt. Pleasant Glass Festival parade, but without Johnson. “It was a long ride,” Johnson said, “and boy was I glad to get off.” The ladies are not afraid to try new things and different places and let their hair down a bit as they do it. “We toured the winery,” Johnson said. “That was really interesting, and I think almost all of the ladies bought a bottle of wine.” The companionship and comfort of these ladies is evident, as they greet life with open arms. The society has grown, and so has the popularity, as shops are springing up dedicated to the fashions sought by these ladies, and they now boast their own magazine. Travel discounts are available to them as well as clothing discounts in the shops, and they also have their own credit card. “The society began as a result of a few women deciding to greet middle age with verve and humor,” Cooper said, “It’s fun and friendship for women before and after 50.”

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