The Petite Hat Museum

Her history of clothing purchases, which she never intended to wear, were not
limited to shoes. There was also the issue of ... . . hats.

For years they stacked up in her closet, until she decided to take action and pay
them the respect they deserved. Surely there must be an odd small museum
which might appreciate them. They were , after all, a testament to a moment
of time ... .. a history of dress & style which encompassed over 100 years.
They had found their way to her life from flea markets and via fancy hat boxes
from fancy stores around the world.

In retrospect, they were really her own personal history. Each one had a story
and more than a few memories. Sending them away was out of the question.

Perhaps she should just start her own museum.

It would be called "The World's Smallest Hat Museum" ... . ..
and it would be located in the powder room off her living room.
A very private room off the most public room in her very private house.

The hats would be displayed on the walls - around the mirrors, above the toilet,
beside the sink. Fortunately, the very small room had a very high ceiling .... .
and the hats would have room to wander to great heights.
Additionally , there would be a rather dizzying multiplication factor with
the reflections from the mirrors.



Upon being directed to the powder room, guests generally
exited with grins and giggles. Now they were quite sure she was
more than a bit different .. . .. but, probably harmless.

___________________________

A perky hat with a red feather (circa 1994 : Barney's NY) lives beneath
an elegant wide brimmed garden hat
( circa 1952: Flea Market/ Sarasota, Florida) with a luscious sculpted rose.




photo copyright Judith Thibaut