As a long time collector of many things, and I suppose being one of the older members on the Lounge, nostalgic memories, anecdotes, and experiences are just as important as the collectible item itself.
Having spent most of my life in Brooklyn (yes, I have an original 1955 Dodgers Baseball Cap) I had the experience of getting several hats at a place in the Prospect Heights section known as the Factory Store. It actually was one of the factories where Knox hats were made, as well as their less costly brand Adam (Historians, please correct me if I am wrong).
When I had graduated from college and prior to my attending professional school, I got a job at an office which had an unofficial dress code which not only required jacket and tie but also a hat when an overcoat was called for.
It was now time to go to the Factory Store to get a serious hat. The price of Knox hats was about $35 at a fine hat store and an Adam was about $25.
The Factory Store had last years colors and styles, overstocks, "seconds" and just plain duds. Their Knox collection was $10 and the Adam collection was $5.
I looked around at everything in this poorly lit building and there was no sales staff to assist you. I finally chose a steel grey fedora which made me feel quite serious on one hand and very proud on the other knowing I was now wearing a men's hat. I liked the Knox hats better and although my funds were quite limited, the price seemed right.
That evening, I took the hat to show it to my Dad who looked at it inside and out while saying nothing. Finally, he looked up and said to me,
"What was wrong with the $5 hats?"
Although I no longer have the hat, I'll always have the memory.
analogist
Having spent most of my life in Brooklyn (yes, I have an original 1955 Dodgers Baseball Cap) I had the experience of getting several hats at a place in the Prospect Heights section known as the Factory Store. It actually was one of the factories where Knox hats were made, as well as their less costly brand Adam (Historians, please correct me if I am wrong).
When I had graduated from college and prior to my attending professional school, I got a job at an office which had an unofficial dress code which not only required jacket and tie but also a hat when an overcoat was called for.
It was now time to go to the Factory Store to get a serious hat. The price of Knox hats was about $35 at a fine hat store and an Adam was about $25.
The Factory Store had last years colors and styles, overstocks, "seconds" and just plain duds. Their Knox collection was $10 and the Adam collection was $5.
I looked around at everything in this poorly lit building and there was no sales staff to assist you. I finally chose a steel grey fedora which made me feel quite serious on one hand and very proud on the other knowing I was now wearing a men's hat. I liked the Knox hats better and although my funds were quite limited, the price seemed right.
That evening, I took the hat to show it to my Dad who looked at it inside and out while saying nothing. Finally, he looked up and said to me,
"What was wrong with the $5 hats?"
Although I no longer have the hat, I'll always have the memory.
analogist
