Hat, Top

Object Name:

Hat, Top

Object ID:

2017.007.01

Creator:

Knox Hat Manufacturing Company; Place, George A. (1865-1941)

Place of Origin:

New York, NY

Date:

1920-1930

Description:

Top hat, owned by Guy A. Swenson (1888-1973) of Concord, NH. Oval cardboard, covered with black beaver fur. Black broadcloth band and tape edge. Cream watered silk lining with brown cowhide sweatband. "EXTRA QUALITY / KNOX / NEW YORK. / GEORGE A. PLACE / CONCORD, N.H.", with double eagle trademark, printed on lining, inside top.

Original box, 6.4" high x 14.25" long x 11.75" wide. Oval cardboard covered with glossy black paper. Removable cover. Removable cardboard form inside. Paper label adhered to box exterior, inscribed in red ink, "GUY'S SILK HAT".

Material:

Fur
Beaver
Textile
Wool
Silk
Cardboard
Leather

Dimensions:

H-6.2 W-10.4 L-12.4 inches

Provenance:

Originally owned by Guy Andrew Swenson (1888-1973) of Concord, NH, grandfather of the donor. He was the son of John and Ellen (Anderson) Swenson. Educated in Concord, brothers Guy and Omar Swenson studied architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Upon the death of their father in 1918, brothers Guy, Omar, and John Swenson took over the operation of the John Swenson Granite Company. The company became more involved in supplying granite for large building contracts across America. During World War II, the company produced submarine netting to assist in the war effort. The third generation of the Swenson family entered the company when it was incorporated in 1946. During the 1950s and 60s, the company increasingly became involved in curbing for the developing highway system. Guy married Mildred H. Bolan of Cranston, RI, on June 19, 1920.

Made by the Knox Hat Manufacturing Company, New York, NY. Founded in 1838, the company became famous as the largest maker of top hats in the United States. 23 United States presidents wore Knox hats. Knox built their reputation on the quality of their hats and excelled at marketing, spending large amounts of money on newspaper ads each year. By 1928 the company operated 62 retail stores and distributed through 2,500 businesses across America. Net sales in 1928 were over $8 million. The Knox brand lasted until the Great Depression when in 1932 the three largest hatters, Cavanagh, Dunlap and Knox, merged to become the Hat Corporation of America (known as Hat-Co).

Sold by George A. Place (1865-1941), Concord, NH.

People:

Swenson, Guy A. (1888-1973)

Subjects:

Hats, Top hats