This whimsical hat contrasts a swirl of mustard-yellow strips with brown netting that would blend in with the wearer’s hair.

Cornish School of Arts graduate John Eaton (1914-1991) was a successful milliner, designer, and teacher whose individually-styled hats became known all over the country. Eaton and partner James Neher opened their first store in 1950, and eventually opened “John Eaton Of Course!” at 509 Pine Street, across the street from Frederick & Nelson. The store closed in 1963, after which Eaton continued to design in his home studio and teach millinery classes at Seattle Central Community College.

Eaton and Neher were both business and romantic partners. They spoke about their over 30-year relationship to the Seattle Times in a 1984 feature about “Gay Seattle.”