1870s Bollman Collection Fez

The Fez came of age in the 1870s with the foundation of the Freemasons. On June 16, 1871, the original Thirteen Masons organized the first Shrine Temple - which they named "Mecca" - at Nickerbocker College on 6th Avenue. And in maintaining the Near East theme, these first Shriners chose to denote their exclusivity with the Fez. The notable red Fez with its black tassel became the Shrine's official headgear, and has since been handed down through the ages. The Bollman Hat Company produced thousands of felt Fezzes since the 1870's that have been worn by famous Shriners including Presidents Harry Truman and Gerald Ford, General Douglas MacArthur and Chief Justice Earl Warren. Fezzes may be old, but they're cool now, whether you're a time traveling alien, the President of the United States, or an ordinary human. This hat comes in a special edition Bollman Heritage Hat Box.