Back in those days, the milliner was one of the most important and sought-after persons in town. Miss Mary Darby had her millinery store across from the brick row. She brought on some hats already trimmed and then she had a good stock of hats, which she would trim to suit the taste of the women who looked to her for the latest style.

The women and girls wore real hats with lots of trimmings in those days using feathers galore.   The hats of “halos” they wear now are mere “shadow” hats in comparison. Miss Mary was so busy keeping up with the styles and helping other women, to "doll up" and catch beaus and hold 'em that she did not ever marry. Uncle Johnny Darby was an old man and Mrs. Darby not much younger. They had three daughters, Mrs. Jack Gordon, Mrs. Lockett and Miss Mary. Miss Mary lived to a ripe old age and was not much short of 100 when she died a few years ago. Miss Irene Neal lived with her and she left her home there in Auburn to Irene, who lives there now. Miss Mary was a rear character and popular. She built up quite a business in hats and ribbons and -some novelties. Those were the “good old days" when the women wore lots of clothes and lots on their hats: It was always a treat for me when I had to go to Miss Mary’s Millinery Shop.                                               

   Yours sincerely,

       J. Henry Burnett,

Macon, Ga.