We recently catalogued several hats that were in old-fashioned hat boxes from HILDA and HESTER, a millinery shop that was located at 13 East Fourth Street, in the Thurston Block between Potters Alley and Pine Street.
Hilda C. Peterson and Hester E. Himes were partners in the business, which began in 1936. The ladies sold hats in their shop, but they were also in high demand for millinery and fashion shows at area clubs, churches, bridge groups, luncheons and various auxiliary meetings. Hilda and Hester would often cooperate with Jamestown dress shops and shoe stores to hold fashion events to show off the latest fashions in hats, dresses and shoes. Hilda and Hester also held Sunday afternoon teas at their shop to showcase their hats.
Hilda’s obituary in 2001 states that she was a native of Jamestown, however, the 1920 and 1930 census records show that she was born in Sweden in 1897. She immigrated with her parents and brother Harold in 1902. Hilda worked as a telephone operator in 1920, and by 1930 her occupation was listed as “milliner.” Hilda was a charter member of the Marvin House and was also a member of the Norden Women’s Club. She was a Gray Lady at the former WCA Hospital and volunteered in the hospital gift shop.
After the death of her husband, Merritt, Hester retired to Florida in the mid-1960s. She was the financial secretary and office manager for the United Fund and Community Chest of Southern Chautauqua County for 20 years and had been the office manager at Par-Ket Motors.
The store closed in 1970.
