Farmers wear many hats, both literally and figuratively. In the literal sense, a farmer’s hat is a timeless and essential part of their attire, offering practical and symbolic benefits that have embedded it as an iconic symbol in farming culture.
Practically, the hats serve as a shield against the effects of the sun, wind, and rain, providing protection as farmers work tirelessly around the farm and in the fields.
Symbolically, the farmer’s hat is seen as a powerful reminder of the pivotal role rural life plays in our culture. It symbolizes hard work, determination, and an unwavering dedication to the land. Worn with pride, these hats become timeless symbols, often passed down through generations, evolving into cherished family traditions and keepsakes.
Farmers’ hats are also used as a way to express pride in their communities. The hats sometimes feature the colors of the local sports team or the logo of a local business. In this way, they serve as unique identifiers
This is a way for farmers to show their support for the community and have a unique piece of clothing that is not only functional, but also reflects their identity. This especially holds true in places like Pisgah, where the tradition of wearing these hats communicates unity, resilience, and Pisgah pride.
One thing Pisgah is well known for is its distinctive farmer hats. We are all familiar with them. My introduction to Pisgah hats came unexpectedly as I flipped through old family photos and spotted my Uncle Raymond Witham wearing one. Initially, I admired it as a neat hat, not yet realizing it was a “thing”. I discovered that my Uncle Earl Smith had organized the distribution of these hats to our whole family, sparking my fascination with them. To my surprise, I soon learned that my intrigue wasn’t unique. Pisgah hats have fascinated people for years!
Have you ever wondered how the Pisgah hats got started or why they became so popular? We were able to track down some information about the Pisgah hats that we thought you might enjoy.
Pisgah hats come in various styles. The original blue Pisgah hats, with a white patch and blue lettering, were later joined by a royal blue version without the patch, featuring white embroidered letters spelling out ‘Pisgah’. Additionally, there’s a blue and white mesh women’s style topped with a blue pom pom. While blue seems to be the original color of the hats (and the most popular), you will find them in a multitude of different colors, though they seem to be more rare.
“Pisgah Elevator handed out this woman’s Pisgah hat to patrons at one of their customer appreciation dinners MANY years ago!!” Terry Cully
“Dad had a grey one too, but his favorite was yellow.” Susan Harrison
According to Jeff Becker, there was even a red version that they made for the 1976 bicentennial so the hat would be red, white, and blue once the patch was added to it.
Susan Feuerbach was able to help us shed some light on how the Pisgah hats got started. She asked Dick Langdon to write down his memories about how he and Ron Becker “invented” the Pisgah hat. Here is what Dick wrote:
‘Another important result of Pisgah Fertilizer & Supply was the “invention” of the Pisgah Hat. It happened when Ron Becker and I and our wives attended a Fertilizer Convention and Trade Show in Atlanta, GA. I chose a dark blue color, but when we were asked what Pisgah meant, I said it was a town in Illinois with 2 houses, an elevator for grain and a company for fertilizer and “supplies.” The sales person asked, “So, what do you want on the hat?” Ron and I looked at each other and, “Um, Um, Um, I guess “Pisgah,” was my reply. So it was and still is. When the boxes of them were delivered to Pisgah the elevator manager thought they must be for him because they were mailed to him, BUT, no they were for the other Pisgah company. (All of the mail in Pisgah was delivered to the elevator at the time.) Anyway, Jack was upset, so Ronald told him he could order and pay for the “winter” Pisgah hats for fall. Pisgah hats for ever have literally been around the world!! If you know what I mean! They replaced a lot of “straw hats,” when we also ordered the net hats for summer! It wasn’t long after that everyone else began to advertise their products, etc. with hats also and they still do! Sorry it took so long to tell this tale.’ Written by Dick Langdon June 2018
We don’t have an exact date the hats were “invented”, but we believe that it was the early 70’s.
“My memories of those hats being around at least for those of us who had them early would date them around 1970. It took a little time for us to realize what a “hot” item they were outside of Pisgah.” Susan Feuerbach
And the hats WERE (and still are) a hot item.
“Everyone wants a Pisgah hat. Why, I have no idea”, said Pisgah farmer, Virgil Smith. “When farmer caps became so popular, instead of putting a whole advertisement on the hat, we decided to just put Pisgah, and from day one it’s just been popular, in demand. I’ve donated them to auctions and seen them bring $25 to $30 for a $3 cap.”
Someone said there should be a Pisgah hat in every state in the U.S., so when someone would travel, they would leave one behind. There’s a town of Pisgah in almost every state. Several politicians have even taken a Pisgah hat with them while passing through the area.
When Jack Kilver put them out for the elevator in the 70s, “They were so popular I couldn’t keep them. One time I had a general from the Pentagon in Washington call and wanted five hats. In ’78-’79 so many people wanted them. Everybody in the country wanted a Pisgah hat.”
Pisgah hats have been popular since their introduction somewhere around 1970 and they are still popular today.
Pisgah hats are a way to show off your Pisgah pride. Pride in our community, pride in our values, and pride in the farming way of life. So, “hats off” to all of you! Or should I rather say, “hat’s on!”
#PisgahProud