My great grand parents lived in New Salem. In the late 19th century, straw
hats were a cottage industry for them. They would get the straw from a
supplier, and weave hats. They did this at their house on Whitaker Rd.
On Friday, May 13, 2022, Jim McRae <jimmcraejim@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
I always imagined it as scattered site (ie, home) straw or other grassy
fiber construction, organized and marketed by someone more central (Gale
Road?). I'm sure others could speak more fully to this, or details would be
in Charles Morse's book that you could find in the library. Good luck,
share your findings!
On Fri, May 13, 2022, 5:51 PM Debra Kelly <ourjessie@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi
I am working on a school paper and wondered if anyone knows the name of
the "hat factory" that I have heard was located in the town a long time
ago. from what I can figure it was at the top of the valley somewhere
around Gales brook?
Thanks
Ian
