| Iconic Central Texas Hat Shop Will Throw a Huge Public Party Nov. 7 There is perhaps nothing more closely associated with Texas culture than the cowboy hat. Recognized around the world, the iconic headwear from the Lone Star State is both admired and imitated on a global scale. Yet, workshops producing the real deal in the time-honored way now number only a handful, even in the state that made them famous. One of these is celebrating a full century of production this year, and is planning quite the anniversary party. Texas Hatters will host “100 Years of Topping the Best” at its shop (911 South Commerce Street in Lockhart) from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 7. It is free and open to the public. The event will feature food by Texas Ross BBQ and Holly Cow Ice Cream. Music will be provided on a live stage with notable performers Halleyanna Finlay, The Lost Austin Band, Dale Watson and the Kevin Fox Band. It is hard to nail down the exact day, but the Gammage family began outfitting real cowboys in Texas in 1926. While most cowboy hats seen in dance halls today are the product of highly-automated assembly lines, Texas Hatters has managed to stay in the game with the old-fashioned handcrafted method. “Our customer base really falls into two categories,” says Joel Gammage, grandson of the namesake hat-maker. “We have some people whose career or lifestyle requires a real quality hat, and then there are those who simply recognize and want the real thing. I mean, there is plenty of costume jewelry on the market, but people still want to wear real gold.” For those who delve deep into Texas culture, it is a landmark business. Novelist Clive Cussler earned millions by spinning wild cloak-and-dagger fiction, but weaving his storylines through verifiably accurate historical and cultural touchstones. Manny Gammage’s name pops up in Cussler’s 1996 “Shock Wave” as the maker of the prized hat worn by the novel’s hero protagonist. It was actually Manny’s father, Marvin Gammage who began making the hats way back in 1926 after working as an apprentice for another master hat-maker. He first squeezed his hat production in at night and on the weekends while working at a chemical plant. Then in 1965, he and his son Manny rolled into Austin, and into the hat industry full-time. Today Manny Gammage’s Texas Hatters, Inc. occupies its current spot in Lockhart. It is operated by Joel Gammage, who represents the fourth generation of hat-makers in the family. The shop has outfitted famous musicians, actors, British royalty, and everyday Texans alike; with creations appearing in films, television, and popular culture. Media clippings from publications far and wide are diligently maintained on the company website (texashatters.com). But those living in the immediate area – or who are willing to travel just a bit – will be able to join in the century celebration at the shop, and experience a bit of Texas history in person.
NOTE for EDITORS Joel Gammage is available for questions or interviews and can be reached at 737-335-6324 or via email at texashatters@gmail.com. More information can be found at https://www.texashatters.com. ABOUT TEXAS HATTERS Manny Gammage’s Texas Hatters is a multi-generational, family-owned custom hat shop specializing in fine handmade cowboy hats, millinery, and hat restorations. Founded in 1926 by Marvin Gammage and his wife Leonora, the business was renamed Texas Hatters in 1965 when the family relocated to Austin. Known for exceptional craftsmanship and creating signature styles such as the Hi-Roller and the Half-Breed. Today the business operates from Lockhart, Texas, still handcrafting each hat using time-honored methods passed down through the family while serving customers worldwide. | 
