A Union Hat

[sandy glidden]

I came upon this beautiful hat in a thrift bin for Halloween costumes. I checked the tags and would gather it is 50's or pre 50's. Does anyone know anything about Sherman's of Auburn, New York. Couldn't find anything except a Samuel Sherman....don't think he is from the same era. Any help in dating this would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

Hello,

Nice to find that in a costume bin. I would say you are correct in dating it to the 1950s. Probably the late half of the decade, and possibly early 1960s. Gard to be sure without handling it in person.

 

[sandy glidden]

Thanks, Barbara! Appreciate the info! And yes, careful handling of items like this, esp. after it being cast into a clothing pile and then into a Halloween bin. Some of the more interesting vintage items I come across at this particular thrift store appear only in this period (Halloween). I guess the later clothing are more favored. It is really too bad.

 

[lkranieri]

It looks like Sherman's in Auburn in the 1950's -- and probably earlier, too -- was managed by Walter B. Sherman (b. 1908 in NY) after his father Herbert was no longer running the business. A 1939 ad noted the business was established in 1911 and was an "Exclusive Agency for: Stetson Hats, Knox Hats; Brewster Hats; G. Howard Hodge Hats; Louise Mulligan Dresses and Gowns; LaGarde Handbags; Roman Stripe Hosiery." In 1939 the store was at 129 Genesee Street in Auburn. Walter B. Sherman died in Delaware in 1990 and was the manager of the store until at least 1959. He may have been there much longer, but I didn't find any city directories after 1959.

 

[sandy glidden]

Thanks so much, Lynne! What fantastic info! It opens up a wonderful window into the story of how this hat came to be! Much appreciated!!!

Many thanks also for your store link! I like it!