Simply and beautifully written Joe Scaglione.

Hats were often an expression of status and class. With men the taller the hat, the higher the station and more authority. British bobbies (policemen) had VERY tall hats which has lasted almost to our current day. And, look at the Queen's palace guards -- pretty ridiculous. Working class Brits were flat caps unless a wedding or Christmas.

Agree with you, saloon cars ended hats and hair took over.

Many thanks