A fine bowler hat supplied by Thomas Dutton, 90 Victoria Street, Grimsby c1905-1920 (possibly 1930s).

This original bowler hat was made by J Moores & Sons of London. Thomas Dutton, the son of a tobacconist, was born in Cleethorpes on 20th November 1870. He was a hatter’s assistant living in Town Hall Street in 1891 and 1901. By 1911, he had a hatter and hosier retail shop at 90 Victoria Street. He was still at the premises in 1921 and in 1939, by which time he was a gentlemen’s outfitter. Thomas married Ada Elizabeth Grundy in Grimsby in 1925. Ada died in 1942 and is buried in Louth Cemetery.. Thomas Dutton, retired gents outfitter, of 409 Heneage Road died on 16th December 1954. He left over £4,800 to a widow named Dorothy Shankster who continued to live at 409 Heneage Road. The former shop of Thomas Dutton at 90 Victoria Street is now the left side of Admiral Casino. Note: Ada Elizabeth Grundy was the daughter of John Grundy, blacksmith, the first cycle dealer in Louth.