Several years ago I went with some friends into a local vintage store, hoping that browsing would not turn to buying; I need not have worried. As I perused the display case that held scads of vintage eyeglass frames, the proprietress walked over and said, "Oh, I don't think I'll have anything in there big enough for you." It seems my shopping shame knows no bounds. Even when it comes to glasses, I will forever be relegated to the "Husky" department. Well, big & tall eyewear, here I come!
The same sort of "size-ism" applies to hat shopping too; I once had to have an XXL hat professionally stretched to fit my giant skull. Because my cranium is so disproportionately-large compared to those of the general population, I have been forced to get especially creative in finding retail outlets for my apparel/accessory options. Thank goodness for Arby's; if it wasn't for them I would never have been able to buy a 10-gallon hat off the rack, er, post!
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| Finally, a hat that fits! Arby's enormous hat sign was designed by the Peskin Sign, Co. of Youngstown, Ohio (Source). |
It isn't that the sign at my local Arby's is unique among the nationwide chain, it's that, among the square, molded, lightbox signs of the the fast food world, the Arby's sign (continuing the tradition of awesome, oversized, novelty neon) creates a unique and distinctive silhouette in skylines throughout the nation.
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| Oh, the glory of the buzzing neon and chasing, twinkle-light border of that enormous 10,000-gallon hat! This is in no way intended to be an endorsement of the "deliciousness" of Arby's. I can count on two fingers the number of times I have eaten at Arby's in my entire life... |
The Arby's sign in action!
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| Because the last time I ate at Arby's was at least twenty years ago, I simply cannot vouch for it. In fact, every time I see an Arby's, I am reminded of The Simpsons episode where a character, crazed with starvation, is heard to utter, "I'm so hungry, I could eat at Arby's." But there was a limousine in the parking lot, so you know it's fancy! |
Instead of wallowing in the kind of self pity induced by an abnormally-huge noggin (seriously, we used to have "Big Head" contests at work and I would always "win"???), I choose to count my blessings, not the least of which is a big, sturdy body that prevents me from looking like a life-size bobble head. Also among my many blessings is the surprising amount of 10-gallon-hat-themed videos that are fitting to share with you. Enjoy!!!
"Ten Gallon Stetson" - Bill Haley & The Saddlemen
"My Stetson Hat" - Ethel Shutta & Company from Whoopee!
"Ten Gallon Hat" - Smiley Burnette
Cheers!
Mr. Tiny
