Back in 1973, I was pursuing a Master Degree in Visual Perception at OSU and had this burning desire to own a fine Borsalino felt hat--a friend, much older than I, wore one and looked very good with that grey hat on his head. So, I went downtown and bought one for myself! Although, still looking very young that Borsalino did something for me. Similar to the feeling of wearing one's first leather coat. To quote Steve Martin, "I was somebody....I was in the "phonebook". I wore that hat day and night and as the years went by, things began to wear off my fine hat--the trim, the lining and finally the tasteful little grey ribbon at its base. At the end , all I had left was a non-descriptive piece of felt perched on top of my head. One day, as with most of my favorite things, I put it in a box, and it followed me around during my various moves in life.

Last November, I found it, again. Upon inspection, I noticed it still had lots of "character", along with a few moth holes. Batsakes was recommended to me by the owner of Hat And Sole, so on November 4, I shoved the remains of my Borsalino into a mailing envolope and shipped it to Cincinnati. After three or four telephone conversations with this charming woman at Batsakes, inquiring about the status of my hat and some 90 days later, a box arrived at my door. I open it and couldnt believe my eyes. Inside was a perfectly relined, steam-cleaned, blocked Borsalino felt hat. I knew it was mine as the moth holes, now patched, were still visible. The enclosed bill was $35.00 plus $5.00 shipping. Unbelievable!

Folks, the long wait was well worth it. Gus Miller, proprietor is a master in his trade. Never having been there, I'm told that Batsakes is a very small shop--no fax, no e-mail. Just good honest people providing an outstanding service. They sell hats, too! So, here is their information--may it serve you well.