Vigo County Historical Society

Hats formerly a staple of every woman’s wardrobe

Once as necessary in any woman’s wardrobe as a dress or coat, hats have now become objects to be looked upon fondly as remembrances of how "things used to be."

The two hats pictures were favorites of Helen Condit, who dies in 1961, the last surviving member of one of Terre Haute’s most prominent families. The Condits are probably best known as owners of the house at 629 Mulberry St., around which the Indiana State University campus grew.

Upon Helen Condit’s death, the house became a part of the university and was lived in for a number of years by the president of the university and his family.

These spring hats are truly elegant and beautifully made. One can picture Miss Condit, a lady of gentility, wearing these as she went about fulfilling her community commitments, especially Central Presbyterian Church and Union Hospital.

A lavender-gray fine straw hat with iridescent flowers and leaves was made for her in 1929 by the Showalter Hat Shoppe at 25 N. Seventh St. The other, an open weave straw with the brim surrounded by sprays of lilacs, was made in 1916. Both are silk lined.

These two hats, along with other notable creations, were given to the Vigo County Historical Society by the Swope Art Museum. They have become a part of the society’s fine collection of apparel worn by Terre Haute’s men and women from the 1800s to the present.