Vigo County Historical Society

Collapsible hat or "topper"

A collapsible hat or "topper" on display in the Vigo County Historical Museum was presented to the museum by Stephen Cornell and belonged to Max Ehrmann (1872-1945), a close friend of Cornell’s grandfather, Willis Douglas Miller.

The initials "M.E." are in the hat, purchased from Weinstein Brothers, 523 Wabash Ave.

Ehrmann was not very tall and the topper added to his stature and dignity. He was said to be conservative and always dressed in the style of the day, which included a stiff collar separate from the shirt, and in many instances spats.

When toppers were first made, a clipped beaver fur was attached to the hat frame. These

were somewhat heavy and hot and the lighter materials were soon adapted to the "stovepipe" frame.

In the interest of saving space, the hats were made collapsible and snapped open merely by striking the frame lightly against the palm of the hand. To close, the top of the hat was held against the body and the hand pulled inward from the frame.

While the Ehrmann hat is a bit worn, it would be as fashionable today as it was during the early years of the century. It may be seen in a display case in the museum’s upstairs hallway.