Hi Viv -The guy nearest the control panel looks like Al Capone, some of the people in that pic look shady - it's strange how hats seemed to define how we viewed people !And of course, it was essential attire if visiting the main control room at Nechells Power Station in the 1930s. Viv.
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Smashing pics Moss - Wonder if the cop in the first pic is guarding the posh looking man with the handkerchief in his pocket ?Here are two pictures taken in Birmingham by Alfred Juggins of Lozells Road.
Interesting story - hats certainly had many uses ....Thanks.It was part of the dress, of the day, in the late fifties to wear a trilby style hat in the detective branch.
What a variety of hats - When everyone stopped wearing hats, an industry faded away ... well apart from baseball hat makers !Not one person 'baht 'at' in this 1914 recruitment parade scene in Windmill Street. Viv.
I used to wear a cap regularly when walking my dogs, lets face it you're out in all weathers for that chore. I only "doffed" my cap once though and that was for a funeral that was passing, it seemed the right thing to do.Not only were they worn by everyone but as I remember it, they would be regularly raised when greeting or saying good-bye in the presence of a lady. As was my school cap, on pain of death.
Would such courtesy be regarded today as a sexist, patronising insult, I wonder?
Chris
It's my grandchildren's school sports day tomorrow so I'll be wearing my wide brim hat. The venue is in Yorkshire so I think I don't I need to bother with etiquette ...Have not worn a hat regularly since the early sixties. Tomorrow, if the sun is as hot as of recent times, I will be wearing my old panama to go to a garden fete. Must protect the old napper these days. Hope I remember the etiquette expected when wearing one. Trouble is one could forget, with the passage of time, one is wearing one and break the code.