I once found a history book with a picture taken in 1861; in the picture was a young man with a Newsboy Cap on his head. I have no idea what the young man would have called his hat, but I am quite certain it would not have been "Newsboy". In this winter of 2002, fashion magazines assure us that the Newsboy is great for evening and daytime wear. And, of course, they are right. Stars of theater, music, and stage can be seen wearing their Newsboys looking...well...like stars.

Hat People has been making the Newsboy or Touring Cap for over 20 years; and in that time we have watched its steady rise in popularity among people from all walks of life. This popularity has not been so much the result of recognition by the fashion world; as the recognition by many, many folks that - the Newsboy Cap fits their personal style.

Personal Style is made of sturdier stuff than the winds of fashion. Hat People does appreciate a warm breeze on a cool day, but the Newsboy Cap has enjoyed a loyal following for decades - in all kinds of weather. The friends and acquaintances featured in the scrolling animation are folks with well refined personal style.

Leading off - in the Full Cut Black Wool Newsboy - is Margaret - at the Oregon Country Fair. She, and her partner Conrad, have a forge at the Fair, where they offer their wrought iron work. Margaret makes great truffles. Next is Ryan, in a medium cut, he likes to play hackey sack in Ashland's Lithia Park on warm summer weekends. Kelly is an artist who wants to be an elf when she grows up. Boston is Oli's new home. Oli is a glass artist, and if you look close, you can see that he is wearing one of his necklaces. That's me, Jim, hatmaker/web designer in the Full Cut Grey Wool Touring Cap. The threesome next to me are - left to right - Jarrod, drummer for the group Hanuman, in a Medium Cut Linen; Jarrod's friend is wearing a Deep Cut Linen; and finally Carol, our Hat People partner through thick and thin, in her Medium Cut Linen Newsboy. Brice, in a Medium Cut Black Velvet, is a theater student in New York City. And last in our line up is Dave King, in a Medium Cut Touring Cap (or Newsboy) made especially for him, by Hat People, from a handwoven wool/silk. It's his Lucky Fishing Hat!