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How Panama Hats Became So Popular ~ 1913

Popularity of Panama hats in St. Thomas, Danish West Indies ~ 1905

The “Tourist Day” line of postcards was a novel idea in the Danish West Indies!

They were produced to show visiting traveler’s the island’s beauty and various offerings.

During the early 1900s, steamers like the Victoria Louise and the Megantic brought tourists to the islands in record numbers.

When they came ashore, enthusiastic vendors guided them through their eclectic line of postcards, hats, craftwork and novelty items.

Popularity of Panama hats in St. Thomas, Danish West Indies ~ 1905
Victoria Louise

The Popularity of Panama Hats

The Popularity of Panama hats in St. Thomas, Danish West Indies ~ 1905

During the early twentieth century, hats were a popular accessory even for children. 

Perusing through the hat store of Charles Delinois & Company must have been quite an experience for new visitors.  

Filled from floor to ceiling was an extensive and varied assortment of twenty-four shapes and styles.

While Mr. Delinois spent much of his time in France, Mr. David O. Bornn managed the operations.  

Mail Orders

The Popularity of Panama hats in the Danish West Indies ~ 1905

Interestingly, the Panama hat store was one of the first stores in St. Thomas to distribute mail order catalogs.

Opening in 1855, they boasted about “brushing aside all the competition“.

They were very creative with their advertisements using inducements to increase their sales.

Testimonials from previous buyers and offers of free shipping encouraged hesitant shoppers. 

“Rock bottom prices” were always guaranteed!

In 1913, the prices for children’s hats started around $2.00 and for ladies and gents, it jumped to between $60 and $80.00 each.

The choicest selections were reported to be about $150.00 each!

Today, the highest quality hats are about $25,000!

Popularity of Panama hats in St. Thomas, Danish West Indies ~ 1905
King’s Wharf, St. Thomas, Danish West Indies

Panama Hats

Panama Hats

The finest “Panama hats” were not made in Panama.

They originated in Ecuador with the better quality ones coming from the Manabi town of Montecristi.

Theodore Roosevelt wearing a Panama hat ~ 1906
Theodore Roosevelt (New York Times Photo)

When President Theodore Roosevelt was photographed wearing a Panama hat while inspecting the Panama Canal operations, demand for this “Ecuadorian made” product grew.

They were strong, lightweight, attractive straw hats that were perfect for deflecting the tropical sun.

Testimonials

Favored patrons of the store wrote convincing testimonials for publication in the daily newspapers.

Mr. Emile Hoyer’s note read, 

Accept my thanks for the selection of the hat that went on to New York.

It was highly appreciated and just what was required.

The hat was perfectly satisfactory, could not have done better if on the spot, remarked Mr. Ernest Richardson of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

No longer as popular today in the islands as they once were, holiday trippers now prefer to take advantage of bargains in liquor, cigarettes, cameras, perfumes, jewelry, and souvenirs. 

Panama hat Click to check out this one of a kind Panama hats at amazon.com

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