"The Hole in the Hat" by Janet C. Oliver Smith

This little true tale happened long ago--I was number eight of nine sisters--
So I was not around when three of my sisters decided to go to the apple orchard to get some of the very good apples then ripe. But what to catch the apples in to prevent bruising?? No one thought of a basket but they decided my father's "Sunday go to meeting" hat was just right.

Away three of them went---one up the tree to pick the best, the other two below to catch. Oh-h--down came the apples---and one went through the crown of their dad's good hat---. Consternation prevailed---home they went---my mother saw the apples but she did not see the hat--. Never dreaming the girls would ever think of taking their dad's best hat to catch apples---.

Well the girls had a problem---but being resourceful they had one bit of good luck--- the apple did go through the hat but there was a small hinge we will say to the hanging flap, so they worked & pressed it all back nicely and put the hat away where it was usually kept---My father wore it again & again--till at last the girls decided they had better confess. And when they did---my father asked why on earth did you pick my good hat to catch apples?? Sarah, my eldest sister, replied, "Why we thought it being your best, it was worthy of catching the best apples".---No punishment my dad thought it rather good. Only scolded for taking the hat and not asking our mother's permission.

(The story is written by Janet C. Oliver Smith (1888-1983) of Belpre OH. Her father was David Oliver and her sisters in this story were Sarah, Lyda and Mamie Oliver.)