New Orleans Hatmaker Turns 102 This Week

A New Orleans hatmaker turns 102 this week.

Sam Meyer says he's been selling hats for 80 years at Meyer the Hatter, a downtown shop his grandfather founded in 1894.

He joined the family business on St. Charles Avenue near Canal Street after coming home from World War II.

He was married to Marcelle, a French woman, for 63 years until her death in 2024.

Sam Meyer's birthday is this Thursday. The National WWII Museum plans to honor him that morning, followed by cake and sodas at Meyer the Hatter.