By Karen Casey
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Shown from left, seated, are Karen Casey, Angie Standridge, Deena Handy and Laurie Bailey; Standing, from left, are Linda Stallions, Leesa Gillean Smith and Melinda Gooch.
I needed an adventure, a road trip of sorts. My neighbor Laurie Bailey was my go-to partner for heading out into the great unknown. So with five minutes’ notice, we jumped in the car, drove down the hill and headed west toward downtown Cleveland to an estate sale.
The sprawling, mid-century home on a large lot came into view. Mary Anna and her husband, Henry Augustus (H.A.) Allison built the house in the late 1950s.
They owned and operated Stovall’s 5-10-25 Cent Store (aka The Dime Store) on the Square in Cleveland from 1949-1985. H.A. Allison passed away in 2007. In 2009, Mary Anna married Charles Houston. Mr. Houston passed a few years ago, and Mary Anna died in February 2020.
H.A. and Mary Anna raised four children in this home – Gerry, Darrell, Deena, and Douglas. Deena Handy still lives in the Cleveland area. Darrell shared a bit of the history of his home place with me.
“It was a great place to grow up,” said Darrell, “lots of good memories here.”
The estate sale marked the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of the Allison family.
I could tell the lady who lived in this house had loved pretty things and appreciated beauty. I walked through the rooms, past colorful dishes, silver pieces, furniture, custom draperies – all evidence of a successful life well-spent.
Then, as I peered into the bedroom closet, I spotted some vintage hats - hot pink, Christmas red, blush pink lace, ivories, and patterned ones – a collection of small markers representing Mary Anna’s sense of fashion and femininity.
The hats intrigued me, and my mind latched onto how to honor Ms. Mary Anna and connect with ladies of my generation. It was time to plan a vintage-hat moment.
I invited Mary Anna’s daughter Deena, some neighbors, and a couple of pickleball pals over for a gathering. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to create a formal tea party. So, I opted for serving cupcakes placed on vintage glass plates and hot spiced cider.
Getting to know people these days can be a challenge. But, when you put on a fabulous hat and have fun together – connection is a sweet byproduct.
The COVID pandemic robbed us of time with others. Now, we can begin to come out of hiding a bit more safely. We need our friends, both old and new.
Note: Jan. 15 is National Hat Day, which celebrates a fashion accessory/warmth provider that has been around for over 3,000 years. Hats have been markers of social status, sports team supporters, personality indicators, or just conversation starters. They also keep our heads warm.
I encourage you to plop a hat on your head, step out of your cocoon and find ways to refresh your relationships or begin new ones. Invite some ladies over for coffee, and wear hats. Put on a funky hat and head to Walmart, work, or wherever you go on Jan. 15. Snap your pictures and email them to me at Karen@MomentMarkerLIFE.com. Maybe your fashion fun will land on my blog or even the White County News. (Sending me your photo grants me permission to use it on social media or print material.)
Let’s have some fun – we all need it!