Anyone know the story of M&W Hat Company (I think that was its name) that made the "real" traditional railroad cap for years? I think they changed their name to Hats and Totes... and possibly moved to Milo? I recently came across one of mine that's probably 30 years old. Gives the Stormy Kromer a run for its money!
3 or 4 years ago, I ran across a supply of those hats, and bought several. They were the last ones
in my size, and there were just a few other sizes left. If I recall correctly, I was told that the
company had stopped making them or gone out of business, don't recall exactly, but I remember
being disappointed that they would no longer be available.
For years these hats were Maine made, and New England railroaders preferred their much finer and
narrower pin stripe patter. There were 2 styles: the first, which MEC men favored was an all stripe
patter. The second, which CP and some BAR guys seemed to favor; had a denim visor and sweatband.
They were sold in Portland at Merdek's Variety at Congress & St John Sts. long after other places stopped
carrying them.
Another New England railroad tradition lost.