Carole McReynolds Davis was an original. When she passed away in June 2014, Starkville’s civic cheerleader left a legacy of enthusiasm that was evident in everything she undertook. And Davis loved hats — creating them, wearing them, sharing them.
The Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum will display 50 to 60 of Davis’ collection and launch the hat show with an open house and May Day “tea party” Friday, May 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the museum. Refreshments will be served under the museum pavilion at 206 Fellowship St. in Starkville. Naturally, attendees are encouraged to don a hat for the occasion.
Patsy Stuart was a longtime personal friend of Davis’ and is co-organizing the exhibit. She also serves on the Friends of the Museum Board.
“Carole was such a colorful person in the community … we just thought this would be a fun way to honor her,” said Stuart, who knew Davis since third grade. One of Stuart’s favorite personal possessions is a hat Davis made for her as a birthday present one year.
“It is so her signature, a hat with ribbons and flowers; it was always fun to wear,” said Stuart.
The hats will be placed throughout the museum through the end of June, said Museum Board member Joan Wilson, who is also helping organize the exhibit.
Davis’ entire hat collection totals about 1,000; she was active in the community and customized headwear for numerous occasions.
“Carole loved to have fun,” remarked Stuart, adding that the show feels, in a way, like her personal tribute to her friend.
“This is going to be a happy time for me to work on this in her memory,” she said.
Learn more about the museum at oktibbehaheritagemuseum.com or call 662-323-0211. Museum hours are 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, and other times by appointment.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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