“Trying to find red hats back then was a challenge,” said Red Hat Society member Diane Mitchell. “We were also supposed to wear purple clothes. Barb passed away this year at almost 97 years old. We miss her.”

The group held a big birthday party for her 96th birthday at The 19th Hole, Barb’s favorite restaurant. Mitchell said they celebrated with a delicious lunch, cake, and ice cream.

“A beautiful bouquet of flowers was presented to our Queen Mother,” Mitchell recalled. “Many old stories were shared and it was a very special time.”

Over the years, the Hubbard Lake Red Hats did some unique and amazing things. Barb was at most of them as she was a devoted red hatter.

Courtesy Photo Hubbard Lake Red Hat Society members are seen at Smokey's.

The ladies went to the High Tea at the Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island, and took numerous three-day trips to Traverse City. They even had a float in the July 4 parade. Many Christmas parties were held with Santa and each lady had a chance to sit on Santa’s lap, whispering in his ear what they wanted for Christmas.

“Our Queen Mother had many gatherings at her cottage on Hubbard Lake,” Mitchell said. “Barb had more energy than most ladies in their 80s or 90s.”

Activities included hayrides, picnics, and a pajama party at the old Smokey’s. Mitchell added that decorating a Christmas tree and wreath was always fun at the museum as well as setting up Dianne Sharp’s Dickens Village. Each year at Christmas, the group gave a donation to a charity in the area.

“After several years, Barb wanted her assistant, Louise, to be our Queen,” Mitchell said. “She was our leader until she moved away. Dianne Sharp was crowned our next Queen and is still leading our group forward.”

It has and will continue to be a great experience and a close sisterhood. If you see purple clothes and red hats, it could be the Hubbard Lake Red Hatters.

Courtesy Photo Seated around the tables are 16 red hatters honoring Barb Kuschinsky, the founding Queen Mother of the Hubbard Lake Red Hat Society, at her 96th birthday party at The 19th Hole, her favorite restaurant.