The Bollman Hat Company acquired several other hat companies during the 1950's including Merrimac Hats which had been among America's largest hat makers. Postwar 1940's and the 1950's saw a shift back to more traditional values for women as men returned from war and took factory jobs for themselves. The size of the average American family grew dramatically. The conflict in Korea occurred during this period. The Civil Rights Movement and rock -n- roll were picking up speed in the 1950's. Still, this decade had the appearance of innocence as well as old-fashioned conformity.
Beauty and etiquette were emphasized for women of society. One figure that became an absolute representation of this ideal was American actress, Grace Kelly. This hat has the same grace as its namesake. It has a wide brim shape and charming colors that make it extremely feminine while still having a restrained elegance. A beautiful ribbon hat band, which features a bow and tail on an off-white soft felt creates this quintessential 1950's women's hat. This hat comes in a special edition Bollman Heritage Hat Box.