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July 1941. "Chicago, Illinois. Commuters waiting for southbound trains." 35mm acetate negative by John Vachon for the Farm Security Administration. View full size.
The gent standing between the cars is wearing a Optimo style Panama hat. The classic with the domed crown with a ridge front back. It could be folded in half and rolled up for packing. It was claimed that a really fine Panama could be rolled tight enough to pass through a wedding ring.
Among all those soft brim fedoras -- he must remember the 1920s!
A business opportunity in Morocco has caught his eye - something about a "Blue Parrot".
In the front and center looks almost like a swastika!!! Bet she didn't wear that again in Summer of '42! (At least she would hopefully have changed the ribbon design?)
The only thing more fascinating than the array of millinery on display is the look of love on the face of the young lady beaming at one of the few hatless gents.
It's so strange to think that everyone used to wear a hat. I can just barely remember when every man wore a hat; women had already stopped wearing them except for special occasions.
Reading the newspaper while waiting for the train is the predecessor of reading your phone.
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