HATS: We can’t recall the last time we saw a woman wearing a stylish hat, outside of the Derby Gala that used to be an annual event in Bradford.

However, hats were all the rage among the fashionable in 1900.

An advertisement from The Era on Oct. 2, 1900, explained that fashionable ladies might do well to stop by Friedenburg’s store.

“Henry Friedenburg, at 52 Main Street, will display his autumn stock of millinery at his store in the Opera House block Thursday, Friday and Saturday of this week. He extends a cordial invitation to all to call and inspect it.

“‘Prettiest hats in town, and cheapest too.’ That is the verdict of many Bradford women who have viewed our millinery since it was placed on exhibition last Thursday. Just one word about prices — They are exceedingly modest, considering the excellent materials used and beautiful designs. Special display of hats for young folks and wee tots.”

INSULT: The Oct. 3, 1900, Era featured two short stories about insults of very different kinds.

“One man insulted another on Main street last evening and received a hook blow in the jaw that knocked him down and out. The insulted party then proceeded on his way as if nothing unusual has occurred. The other fellow pulled himself together and went home.”

It did not note if police were called or if that were the end of the matter. This next one sounds much more serious.

“The Italian who eloped with two women from this city the other day will probably learn that ‘three is a crowd’ before he arrives at the end of his journey.

“The husbands of the two women who eloped with him have amalgamated their indignation in a vendetta of the most relentless Italian kind and they will transform the abductor of their happiness into ‘remains’ if he doesn’t watch out.”

Goodness. A scandal, a threat and some stereotyping — what more could a story need?

These are the sorts of things that could never make the news today.