Birmingham Rouge - Bon Ton Hatters

Step inside Bon Ton Hatters on 20th downtown, and it's like stepping back in time.  You can get your shoes shined by some really nice guys or repaired by owner Jimmy Callis.  I would venture it's the only place left in town that cleans and refurbishes hats.  The hat shelf is my favorite, for obvious reasons.

Bon Ton Hatters

219 20th Street North

Shoe Shine, One Dollar

Bon Ton Hatters has been in business since 1907. Today it's the only shop in Birmingham where you can have a hat cleaned or reshaped. They also offer shoe repairs in the back and for a buck, you can have your shoes shined right here. I took this photo through the windown when they were closed, but I've posted photographs here .

Sole Man II

Some of you might remember my trip to the Goodyear Shoe Hospital last summer. You met Andrew then. I was prowling around in the archives and found this photograph that I'd forgotten about. I love the way his hands are illuminated by the small light on his machinery. That reminds me that maybe I need to pay Andrew another visit!

Our friend Kim (Seattle DP) suggested I might have started a Table and Chairs series this week. Well you know, she might be onto something!  I have a few more that I'll post in the next week.  Thanks Kim.  I'm always game for something new around here!

Caps For Sale

A visit to Bon Ton Hatters on 20th Street North, is like stepping back in time.  You are greeted by several of the most personable shoeshine guys you will ever want to meet.   In addition to shines and shoe repairs, Bon Ton has been in business for as long as I can remember cleaning, steaming,  and blocking hats.  These days, I am surprised that they get many calls for that service,  but apparently there are quite a few dapper men running around Birmingham in some mighty fine chapeaus!  This case with its unusual array of headgear caught my eye.  Wouldn't you just love to meet the gentlemen that wear these ?    Isn't it refreshing to know that these long standing businesses are still providing the services that made them a Birmingham tradition.  So which hat is your favorite?