Tuesday 15th, to Saturday 19th January, 2008 at the Museum

Hats have been a part of history.  Cave drawings have been found of women wearing elaborate turbans. They were worn to keep warm, indicate status, and to adorn to make one more attractive to the opposite sex.

Hat styles have been influenced by popular political (such as Queen Victoria) and theatrical (such as Audrey Hepburn) figures.  The current hairstyle also influenced hat styles or vice versa.  Short cuts of the 1920’s made the Art Deco cloche fit perfectly.  Large hairdos encouraged styles of hats that would cover or perch atop the hair.

Hats may be found at antique stores or shows, estate sales, flea markets and online auctions.  A good place to begin collecting is from family members or friends.  A collection is always more precious if there is a personal link.

Vintage Hats & Bonnets Indentification & Values: 1770-1970 by Susan Langley and Women’s Hats of the 20^th Century by Reilly and Detrich are good reference books for hat collectors.

Sharon Woodward and her mother, Sandra Lee, have over 100 vintage to present day hats in their collection.  As they traveled, they would always look for hats.  Of course, some of their collection is from family members or friends or prominent people from this area.  Sharon has some hats that belonged to Mrs. Katherine Woodward.   Sandra has a hat that was made by a hatmaker in Bowling Green.  There will also be hat boxes on display from stores which are no longer in business, such as Pushins and Normans in Bowling Green.

If you would be interested in seeing the collection, it is on display at the Auburn Museum January 15 – 19, from 1-4 p.m. Admissions Free – Donations Appreciated