STRAW HAT MACHINE.
A novel mechanical display of straw hats is arranged as follows:
Make a box 4½ ft. high and 18 in. wide; open two sides 15 in. from the top; set this box on end, the open side to the top. The open side also to face the glass and to be about half way back and to one side of the window. Make a little platform 12 × 18, about 6 in. below the opening in front; a like platform, only to be longer and even with the opening in the back. Now bore a hole in each side of the box about the center of the opening and insert a shaft. On this shaft inside the box nail four light boards, 6 in. wide and 15 in. long; then fasten a 4-in. pulley to the end of the shaft and connect with the motor. Now fill the back of the window up 3 or 4 ft. with straw, letting it slope down toward the glass. Cover the entire floor with straw, and also the platform in the back. Then place hats on stands on the floor and suspend hats from rods above them. Place three or four hats on the stand in front, and make a sign which reads, “Straw hats while you wait.” Start your motor and you have a window that will sell hats.
EXAMPLE OF DISPLAY WITH HALF REVOLVING BUSTS.—McFaddin.