We are on the road today. We are heading to Ironwood, Michigan.
Did you know that Ironwood, Michigan is the home of the famous Stormy Kromer hat?
The History Behind the Legend of Stormy Kromer
George "Stormy" Kromer was a real guy - a semi-pro baseball player
and railroad engineer. Not the kind of guy you'd expect to start a
clothing company, in other words, but one who happened to create a cap
that became known for long-comfort and the ability to stay snug, even in
the fiercest winds.
This final feature, in fact, is the reason he made his famous headgear in the first place, but we'll get to that in a bit.
Mr. Kromer, known as "Stormy" to the folks who knew his temper, was
born in 1876 in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. He grew up with baseball and would
eventually play on nearly 30 semi-pro teams throughout the Midwest. He
might have continued to play that field, too, but he met Ida, and before
Ida's father would allow her hand in marriage, our ballplayer needed to
find real work.
That meant the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad and long, cold
trips across the plains. Stormy was an engineer, and to see where he was
headed, he had to stick his head out the window - into the wind. Mother
Nature stole his cap more than once, and as the story goes, he set out
to get her back.
In 1903, he asked Ida (now his wife and an excellent seamstress) to
modify an old baseball cap to help keep it on in windy weather. The
all-cloth cap with the soft, canvas visor was a departure from the
traditional fedoras of the day, but it was more comfortable and because
of it's six-panel fit, it stayed put.
Soon other railroad workers wanted one of Stormy Kromer's caps for
themselves, and when Ida could no longer keep up with demand, they hired
a few employees and the business was born.
A lot of things have changed since those first few caps - new colors,
new fabrics, new styles - but we haven't changed the way we make 'em.
They're hand-stitched right here in the good old U-S-of-A, and they're
still made to fit better than anything you've had next to your noggin.
Stormy Kromer caps are true to the original, and that means you get all
the comfort and function that made them famous.
Wear one, and you'll know what we mean.
My husband and I have always wanted Stormy Kromer hats. My sister blessed us with our very own Stormy Kromer hats for Christmas.
I love my hat. It is so nice and warm.
All in one little cap.
The Stormy Kromer is made of top notch wool and cotton. The breathability of cotton and moisture absorption of wool is a powerful combination, and one sure to keep you comfy all day long.
Made in the U.S.A.
We are really happy about that!
One of the fun things that came along with our hat was the Stormy Kromer Owner's Certificate of Legendaryness. How Fun! I will share with you a few of the ideas.
* Tip your cap to other Kromer - wearers
* Go outside every chance you get
*Remember that Sunday mornings aren't just for brunch
*Teach your kids that there's a real world beyond the worldwide web
*Always be true to yourself
Thank you for coming along today.
If you head up to Michigan, look for the BIG Stormy Kromer Hat.
Have a great weekend.
