The local historical society, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, will hold a silent auction from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, of 50 wooden “hats” depicting Beacons past and present.
The "Hats Off" fundraiser and other festivities will take place at the Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St.
The hats were created by local artists, says society president Robert Murphy.
There will also be exhibits of objects representing World War I soldiers, banking, Van Tine’s Stationery Store, African-American stories, Highland Hospital and more.
Items donated by local merchants will be raffled off and light refreshments will be served.
According to Murphy, Danbury, Conn., may still be called “Hat City,” but it was Beacon that was No. 1 in New York state in the chapeau biz, especially in the 1920’s.
Sadly, the last maker of hats in Beacon closed up shop in 2005, Murphy said.
The Dorel Hat Company on Main Street, established in 1967, also made caps, millinery items, belts, mufflers, gloves, umbrellas, sweat bands and clothing hangers.
The 40th anniversary exhibit (including the artist-created hats) will stay up until Saturday, Nov. 27, Murphy said.
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