That's Sew Minnesota : An 18th Century Gown and Bonnet for an 8 year old Girl's Long Sleeved Dress, Apron and Bonnet Set MADE TO ORDER Victorian, Civil War, Prairie School Days, Old fashioned, Historical Etsy Tea Time Collection JessaKae In the mid 19th century, little girls wore bonnets mainly for practicality and tradition. The bonnets protected them from the sun and were seen as a proper part of a young girl's outfit.