By Ricky Rieckert
This week in Aurora’s past, I’m going to write about the Main Hatters Store.
But first, thanks to the subscribers and/or readers, and The Voice, for two more fan letters.
Last week, we were discussing the Hammond family on Liberty Street.
This week will be Main Hatters, which was owned by Mary Ann Andrew’s family.
Let me begin.
Main Hatters was on the Northeast side of Main Street, (E. Galena Boulevard) and Broadway, (Route 25).
I remember the green, wooden newspaper booth out in front, by the street. The guy sold every newspaper from Aurora, Chicago, and New York. A landmark, at that corner.
Main Hatters opened up in 1919 with proprietorship belonging to Mary Ann’s grandfather, Nicholas Andrews, in which his last name was originally Andrutsakis.
He was from Kalamata, Greece and came to America in 1915.
Many Europeans would come to Ellis Island in New York to settle and become citizens. From there, some settled in the Chicago area.
It was common, to shorten or even change names of different nationalities.
Main Hatters was a hat blocking and cleaning business that thrived in the era when men wore hats.
It was not only a place to have your hat reshaped, you could have your suit coat cleaned, and your shoes dyed or shined.
It also was a public meeting place, to discuss local and national news, and baseball.
Marry Ann’s father was a sergeant in the U.S. Army / Air Force 101st, Airborne Division and earned a Purple Heart in World War II. After receiving an honorable discharge he headed back to Aurora. He stopped at a USO dance in Pittsburgh, Penn. and met Mary Ann’s mother, Jennie.
George went back several times, and in 1946 they were married in Pittsburgh. He then brought her to Aurora and took over Main Hatter’s Store.
A side note: Mary Ann had an uncle named Harry who worked for her grandfather, at the store.
In 1960, when Aurora National Bank began demolishing the Stores east on Main Street, to make room for their drive-up facility, Mary Ann’s father moved and remodeled the former Astor Millinery at 1 N. Broadway.
George retired in 1973.
Mary Ann, thank-you for your story.
I shot a lot of marbles, at Brady School in sixth grade, I’m sure I would have enjoyed playing with you.
Mary Ann, please contact The Voice with your contact info, please. I have a couple more questions.
Thank you.
And I did not forget about Fox Street. I have gained some extra information.
Have a nice week.