Spotlight on Collections: Merrimac Hat Co.

“March 21, 1878 was a great day for Amesbury and an even greater day for the Merrimac Hat Co. for on that day the first part of the present plant was dedicated. A great fair was held right in front of the plant for the benefit of the Old Ladies’ Home. The whole town turned out for the occasion. Merrimac Street was fenced off, canopies were put up, bands played, and speeches were made. Every one (sic) had a most enjoyable time. The proceeds, which were over a thousand dollars, were given to the old Ladies’ Home.” – Merrimac Hat Quarterly, vol. 1, No. 1, January, 1939.

Merrimac Hat Company Post Card, c. 1907-1915.

ACM Collection. Merrimac Hat Company photograph circa 1944.

Here we are 145 years later. The Amesbury Carriage Museum does not have any photographs taken on March 21, 1878, (unless they are lurking in someone’s attic waiting to be discovered) but the ACM does have a wonderful collection of 34 photographs of workers at the Merrimac Hat Company. The collection was purchased by the ACM, thanks to the generous support of Suzanne Cote and Maris DiTolla.

The images, which are jointly owned by ACM and the Merrimac Hat Museum, offer a look into the process of hat making and capture the faces of many Amesbury workers, who were part of the company. Some of the photos were used in the 1944 promotional catalog “Making the Headlines” while others date as recently as the 1960s.

“It’s a beautiful collection of photos,” said ACM volunteer Joyann Reynolds, chair of the ACM Collections Committee. “The goal is to have them displayed in time for the Hats and High Tea event taking place at the Industrial History Center on May 13th."

The Merrimack Hat Company photo exhibit will be on display at the IHC from May 13th through the end of July, 2023. We also have a small selection of hats made there. We hope you visit to check it out when we open in the Spring!

In the meantime, you can see most of the photographs on our website here.