Hats are memorable. Quite often, people do not remember what someone wore, but they can describe the hat in detail. This was illustrated to me just a few days ago.
I was having lunch with some older ladies who remembered my grandmother. I lost Meme in 1989 and still miss her dearly. What was amazing is that they could describe in detail her hats. They were bringing up memories from over 80 years ago and told me of one hat that was particularly unusual. It was a felt cloche covered with brown felt leaves. As they described it to me, I literally felt myself transported to that time and place.
The ladies also described my grandfather’s hat and appearance in great detail. Since I’ve never seen a picture of my grandfather and never knew him, this was a great gift. Apparently, he had a lovely camel fedora that he wore with a long cashmere coat. The sight of my grandparents to be (at that time, they were only dating), became etched in these ladies minds.
If I had any superpower at all, it would be ability to time travel and meet my grandparents at that moment. They were young, dating and in love.
By Polly Singer
