Virginia – College Students And Their Interesting Hats
A group of students at Bethany College was photographed in this historical photo of Virginia either in 1850 or 1851. The photograph presumably shows a party of “Members of The Ranters,” according to the Library of Congress, recognized as a singing club that liked to play pranks on other people.

While there is not much reason behind the hats and the interesting gestures of the college students, some researchers in the picture have come up with very fun stories connected to the party.