Rotman’s Hat Shop & Haberdashery

Hamburger Sonata, CPE Bach

The hats were largely picked over on the last weekend that this historic hat shop was open for business back in the summer, but I finally managed to find one in my size. A classic haberdashery on Spadina, I was saddened to learn that Rotman’s Hat Shop - family owned and operated for decades - was slated to close its doors for business.

On a lovely Saturday afternoon as I was headed home after playing at an Argo’s games (as a member of the Argonotes, not as a linebacker for the football team!) I suddenly remembered the news that I’d heard about this shop clearing off the remainder of its merchandise. So I locked up my bike to one of the trees lining Spadina and ventured in.

The place was abuzz with a steady flow of customers, flocking in to find a great deal and gawking at the ambiance of the historic space. The combination of soft conversation together with the comforting creaks of the aged wooden floors afforded me a heady glimpse into a bygone era. Fortunately for me, the guy overseeing the sale was a die-hard CFL fan, so the fact that I was wearing my FLUTIE jersey established some credibility and won me favor when I asked if I might play a little flute music to pay homage to the old place.

I didn’t have much sheet music on me, but the first movement of CPE Bach’s Hamburger Sonata seemed appropriate: classy and full of style to match the merchandise and aesthetic of this classic haberdashery.

More images from my visit to Rotman’s Hat Shop can be seen on Phanfare where I have assembled a montage of pictures that bear tribute to this evocative piece of Toronto’s vibrant history.