The 17th in a series of articles for
the 175th Anniversary of Bonham
Bonham, Texas -- Hats were an essential element of the wardrobe of well-to-do women in Bonham in the early- to mid-twentieth century.
There were at least three millinery shops in Bonham. Fashions in hats changed from year-to-year and season-to-season, and every woman wanted the latest.
The most popular and longest lasting millinery store in Bonham was that of Ms. Homer Thompson.
Mrs. Homer Thompson (Cornelia Thompson) bought a millinery shop on the north side of the Bonham Square in 1902 and operated it for the next 53 years. Her hats were the vogue for four generations of Bonham ladies and she often made trips to St. Louis, Chicago and New York where she bought supplies and learned the latest styles.
During the busy seasons of Easter and the wedding months, she employed as many as 14 women in her shop. Many hats had plumes and were quite expensive.
The Fannin County Museum of History has a wonderful collection of women's hats. Come in to see them in person.
