GAINESVILLE - Hats from the collection of County Commissioner Deborah Mack are the feature for the latest in the "I collect..." series at the Northeast Georgia History Center in Gainesville at Brenau University.
Mack began wearing hats in her 20's, when it was the fashion for a lady to wear hats. She stopped when most women felt hats fell out of fashion.
But, about ten years ago, she began to suffer from constant colds and infections. Her sister suggested that she wear a hat to keep her warm, and a legend was born. Since then collecting hats has become a passion and today Mack says she has more hats than she can possibly count.
And where does she get all of those hats?
"I attend numerous conventions and seminars. Most have a vendor section with several hat merchants," Mack said "My favorite hat vendor is from Ozark, Alabama. I also buy many of the hats in Atlanta. Now that I am known for wearing hats, I
also receive many as gifts."
The collection on exhibit at the history center features more than a dozen hats chosen because they were worn to church, weddings, and conventions.
"I love to shop, and seeking out the hat department in every store is a lot of fun."
What does Mack look for in a hat?
"The more daring, the more I like them."
"I collect ...hats!" is the second in a continuing series at
the Northeast Georgia History Center. The series began in November with over 50 nativity sets from the collection of history center board members Marvin and
Cleda Locey.
The current exhibit will continue through February 28.
"We are interested in featuring a variety of collections," said Director Bob Winebarger.
The exhibits will also focus on the person who collects. "Often the reasons people collect are as interesting as the collections themselves," he added.
Saturday
May 4th, 2024
6:47AM
