Name/Title
Fedora HatEntry/Object ID
2018.6.63Description
Men's fedora. The seaweed green hat is soft-brimmed with an indent on the top and a thick black ribbon and bow around the base. The top of the hat interior reads "RESISTOL / ‘SELF-CONFORMING’" above a crest with a crown, sword, and two fleurs-de-lis. In gold letters on one side of the interior, the hat reads "Wright / Johnston / COLUMBIA, S. C.," while the other side notes "RESISTOL / ‘SELF-CONFORMING’ / ® / NELOROL."
Two small tags on the interior read "Extra Long Oval" and "7¼." A third larger tag includes the sales information: "COUNT XL 7¼ 11.95 / STYLE SEAWEED SIZE FI 129 PRICE 2⅛."Context
As suggested by the gold lettering on the interior, this hat was sold by Wright-Johnston Inc., a men's shop founded by Eben E. Wright (c. 1891–1965) and Otis C. Johnston (1896–1986) in 1937. Originally located at 1330 Main Street in Columbia, Wright-Johnston began advertising their stock of Texas-made Resistol hats in 1956 and continued selling the brand until at least 1966.
In the early 1970s, the owners rebranded the store Wright-Johnston Uniforms and began securing contracts with state law enforcement agencies. As of 2025, the company is owned by a third generation of Johnston descendants and operates on Taylor Street.Clothing/Dress/Costume Details
Article of Clothing/Dress/Costume
HatClothing Sex
MaleMade/Created
Manufacturer
ResistolDate made
circa 1960
