Ellie Norman

Embark on a sartorial journey to the 1920s with this men’s wool flat cap from the Italian brand Conte of Florence. Though this brand emerged in the 1950s, the cream-colored cap pays homage to the timeless fashion of the Roaring Twenties, where style and sophistication were synonymous with the pursuit of the American Dream.

As the epitome of Jazz Age fashion, the flat cap adorned the heads of men who aspired to capture the essence of an era marked by societal shifts and cultural dynamism. Conte of Florence encapsulates this spirit by producing a mid-century creation that pays homage to the style of the 1920s.

Crafted from luxurious cream-colored wool, this flat cap becomes a symbol of understated elegance—a fashion statement that transcends decades. The embroidered Conte of Florence logo, a capital “C” adorned with a fleur-de-lis, adds a touch of refinement to an accessory that once graced the heads of men navigating the dazzling world depicted in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.

(More on The Community Library’s Winter Read of The Great Gatsby here.)

In the Gatsby era, fashion wasn’t merely about clothing; it was a language, a means of expressing one’s aspirations and identity. With its distinct silhouette, the flat cap mirrored the transition from traditional to modern, echoing the sentiments of a generation that sought to redefine itself.

This Conte of Florence flat cap invites one to envision an age where gentlemen’s fashion conveyed a sense of sophistication and confidence. In the opulent parties of Gatsby’s mansion, this flat cap would have seamlessly complemented the tailored suits, capturing the essence of an era where style was a passport to the American Dream.

You can see this artifact, and many others, in The Community Library’s current foyer exhibit of the Roaring 20s, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and The Great Gatsby. More on the Library’s foyer exhibits here.

Wood River Museum of History and Culture, 2017.05.56b.

This Gorham silver punch bowl set brings one into the opulent world of the Roaring Twenties. Founded in 1831, Gorham has long been synonymous with quality silverware, and this set, with its monogrammed bowl and cups bearing the initials “JBMC,” captures the spirit of an age marked by lavish parties and celebrations.

In the world depicted by F. Scott Fitzgerald in The Great Gatsby, silverware became an integral part of the extravagant parties that defined the lives of the elite. The clinking of silver cups echoed through Gatsby’s mansion, symbolizing the pursuit of prosperity and the attainment of the American Dream.

The superb craftsmanship of Gorham silver reflects the commitment to excellence that characterized the Gatsby era. This punch bowl set becomes a vessel of history, carrying stories of jubilant celebrations, whispered secrets, and the shared dreams of those who reveled in the prosperity of the time.

As one marvels at the gleaming silver, envision the scenes of Gatsby’s soirées—the clinking of Gorham cups, the glimmering ladle, and the shared moments that defined an era. The Gorham silver punch bowl set invites you to immerse yourself in the lavishness of the Roaring Twenties, where the pursuit of prosperity and the American Dream unfolded in the gleam of finely crafted silverware.

You can see this artifact, and many others, in The Community Library’s current foyer exhibit of the Roaring 20s, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and The Great Gatsby. More on the Library’s foyer exhibits here.

Wood River Museum of History and Culture, 2022.01.166.

This cushion from 1971 is colorfully embroidered with the names of then staff members from the local Sun Valley restaurant Konditorei.

The embroidered cushion in the Wood River Museum’s collection is a vibrant testament to Sun Valley’s culinary heritage as it unravels the history of Konditorei, a beloved restaurant that first opened its doors in the mid-1960s. Crafted with care, this cushion captures the dedication of the restaurant’s staff in 1971, each name stitched into the fabric telling a story of camaraderie.

Konditorei, founded by Austrian baker Fred Pendl, quickly became a cornerstone of Sun Valley’s dining scene. Known for its delectable pastries and inviting atmosphere, the restaurant established itself as a welcoming community meeting place. This embroidered cushion, dating back to 1971, serves as a tactile link to a time when Konditorei was not just a place to savor culinary delights but a space where friendships flourished and memories were woven into the fabric of its existence.

With its kaleidoscope of colors, this cushion is adorned with the names of the dedicated staff members who contributed their talents to Konditorei in the early ’70s. Each embroidered name is a thread in the rich tapestry of the restaurant’s history, symbolizing the collaborative effort and shared commitment that made the restaurant a cherished destination.

The Wood River Museum of History and Culture takes pride in preserving not just artifacts, but also the stories and memories they carry. This cushion is a living tribute to the individuals who contributed to Sun Valley’s culinary landscape, and it stands as a testament to the power of shared experiences and the enduring bonds forged within the walls of a beloved restaurant.

From the Judy Grisby Collection (2013.05), Wood River Museum of History and Culture.