Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

The Spokesman-Review sent a reporter to a hat shop to report on the new summer hat fad: the straw hat.

He transcribed the salesman’s banter:

“Hot today all right! Guess you’re wise in getting a nice cool straw hat. I wear one just as soon as the first hot day comes along. Now, here is the very latest thing in the straw hat. It looks a little odd at first, but the man who designed that hat was your friend. That hat will be more than a hat to you. See the high crown and narrow brim with the Sennit braid? Advantages? My O!”

The salesman went on to say that the high crown makes short men look tall, prevents baldness and provides a storage space for carrying random items.

“Now, in these high crowns you could carry the radishes, the half-pint of cream, or your wife’s picture and there would be no danger at all,” he said.

He also advised the customer to get the straw hat with the little bow in back.

“That’s class in straw hats. You can pick the neat dresser by the little bow in the back.”

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1978: A jury in Clark County, Nev., ruled the so-called “Mormon will,” purportedly written by the late billionaire Howard Hughes, was a forgery.