canduchess/hats-1890s/ or some of the museum libraries. Old catalogues, such as Sears might be available on line or through museums too. Also, your local library may be able to access books on costume design - or perhaps historial societies???
I imagine with theatrical costuming, cost will be a big factor - so you may have to forego some of the more traditional materials and consruction methods.
Good Luck!…
Added by 1fi9iq6yxs6ig at 11:06am on February 21, 2013