HAT
CulturePrince Edward Island
Dimensions11.5 x 28 x 63.5 cm (4 1/2 x 11 x 25 in.)
Object numberHF.2023.10.3
DescriptionA man's black bowler hat/derby with a black ribbon with a bow around the base of the hat. The same black ribbon is also around the brim of the hat. The crown is rounded with short walls and an upturned brim. A brown leather sweat band is present around the interior circumference of the hat with "Featherette / Extra Light Weight" and "Moores / London / Made in England" embossed on opposite sides of the sweatband. A label is adhered to the interior crown, vaguely circular in shape with gold designs and lettering for "Moores / J. Moores & Sons Ltd. / Factory Denton / Paris London New York". Narrative
This bowler/derby hat originally belonged to John Alexander Dewar, a farmer and dairy owner from New Perth who became the first elected Independent Member of the Legislative Assembly. Dewar was first elected in 1910 and reelected in 1915 as a Conservative party member. In 1919, he lost the Conservative nomination convention but later won his riding an Independent at a great majority.
Dewar introduced a bill to enfranchise Island Women in 1918, four years before some women would be allowed to vote in PEI. The bill was passed, however, it was never enacted. His political career ended in 1923. Dewar went on to be a successful farmer and was involved with many provincial and national agricultural associations.
Dewar introduced a bill to enfranchise Island Women in 1918, four years before some women would be allowed to vote in PEI. The bill was passed, however, it was never enacted. His political career ended in 1923. Dewar went on to be a successful farmer and was involved with many provincial and national agricultural associations.
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