Universal York

In a recent post I showed some of the women’s hats from the 19th and 20th centuries now on exhibit at York County Heritage Trust. Some are rather outlandishly decorated, including a couple adorned with whole stuffed birds.
In the past men’s hats weren’t as ornate, but they were just as important. As with a woman, no self respecting man would venture out of doors without his hat. As a nod to the gentlemen, the YCHT exhibit includes a sampling of male headwear, including straws, a white beaver hat and a collapsible top hat.
The hatter ads transcribed below, from the 1856 York Gazetteer and City Directory, show the variety of hats available to York County men.

Manufactures and keeps constantly on hand every variety of Hat made of the best material, and by the most competent workmen; which will be disposed of on the most reasonable terms for cash.
The highest price in cash paid for Fox, Mink, Muskrat, Otter, Rabbit and other Furs.”

A few doors about Mr. Whitmyer’s Tavern, York, Pa.,
Manufactures and keeps constantly on hand every variety of Hats made of the best material and by the most competent workmen, which he will sell on the most reasonable terms for cash.
The highest price in cash paid for Fox, Mink, Muskrat, Otter, Rabbit and other Furs.”

You notice that the hatters were advertising for furs. The hats themselves weren’t made from the animal skins, but they were constructed of felt made with the hair of the furs. Click here for a site that explains the process.