An Ounce - For Your Consideration
Discover hidden stories from history—bite-sized, clever tales that challenge what you thought you knew. At An Ounce, we uncover the little moments that quietly changed everything, surprising truths, and fascinating facts you won’t hear elsewhere.
I’m Jim Fugate—retired firefighter, lifelong learner, and an outside-the-box thinker who loves sharing history’s hidden gems. These quick, engaging stories don’t take themselves too seriously, won’t steal your precious time, and might just make you feel a little bit smarter.
I hope you’ll join a community of curious minds who enjoy a fresh take on history—where conversation is always open and everyone’s invited.
An Ounce - For Your Consideration
The Straw Hat Riot
There are a lot of reasonable things one might get angry about, even a little riled up – but, rioting over a straw hat?
Sounds like this something that took place at a county fair someplace? Somewhere they imbibe in a bit of moon-shine perhaps?
Nope –
This happened in a place where they take fashion seriously. It happened in September 1922 – In one of the great centers of civilization - New York City.
Yep –
Ok of all the things that might cause a ruckus, ok – more than a ruckus, a full-blown multi-day riot - how could a straw hat possibly have anything at all to do with it.
Apparently, the refined folks of New York City have always taken the statutes of style very seriously – and back in the 1920s the wearing of a straw hat – known as a ‘boating’ hat after September 15th was a faux pas of the highest order.
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