Ontario Discount Department Store Embroidered Dad Cap Hat
One size / Black
$29.99
Sale price
$29.99
Regular price
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GhostCorp Apparel - resurrecting iconic corporate ghosts.
Celebrate Ontario's place in regional retail with a cap honoring the chain that started in 1950s Lorain as Ontario Super Mart. Its story spans Cook Coffee Co.'s 1964 acquisition, expansion into Ohio cities and Missouri, and the 1981 shift that replaced the Ontario name at 19 stores with Rink's or Cooks. Made for fans of local business history and former shoppers, this cap connects a familiar department store identity with the larger story of Cook United's changing retail portfolio.
Ontario began as Ontario Super Mart, a Lorain, Ohio-based retail chain in the 1950s, selling clothing, groceries, hardware, electronics and household goods. In 1964, Cook Coffee Co. of Maple Heights, Ohio, acquired the nine-store chain; the company later became Cook United Inc. Ontario was then operated as Ontario Discount Department Stores alongside several other Cook United retail brands. The chain expanded in Ohio, including into Toledo, and also opened stores in Missouri. By the 1970s, Ontario stores operated in Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland and Dayton. Cook United acquired Clark's Department Stores in 1968, converting some locations to its Cooks name. In 1975, Cook United had 82 stores across its various brands, below its stated sales goal, and announced it would end Ontario operations in Missouri. Ontario had 23 stores at the start of the 1980s. After Cook United acquired Rink's Bargain City in 1981, it dropped the Ontario name in May and converted 19 stores to Rink's or Cooks. Cook United later entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1984 and closed its remaining stores in 1987, then liquidated under Chapter 7.
Ontario Discount Department Store Embroidered Dad Cap Hat
$29.99
Sale price
$29.99
Regular price
Celebrate Ontario's place in regional retail with a cap honoring the chain that started in 1950s Lorain as Ontario Super Mart. Its story spans Cook Coffee Co.'s 1964 acquisition, expansion into Ohio cities and Missouri, and the 1981 shift that replaced the Ontario name at 19 stores with Rink's or Cooks. Made for fans of local business history and former shoppers, this cap connects a familiar department store identity with the larger story of Cook United's changing retail portfolio.
Ontario began as Ontario Super Mart, a Lorain, Ohio-based retail chain in the 1950s, selling clothing, groceries, hardware, electronics and household goods. In 1964, Cook Coffee Co. of Maple Heights, Ohio, acquired the nine-store chain; the company later became Cook United Inc. Ontario was then operated as Ontario Discount Department Stores alongside several other Cook United retail brands. The chain expanded in Ohio, including into Toledo, and also opened stores in Missouri. By the 1970s, Ontario stores operated in Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland and Dayton. Cook United acquired Clark's Department Stores in 1968, converting some locations to its Cooks name. In 1975, Cook United had 82 stores across its various brands, below its stated sales goal, and announced it would end Ontario operations in Missouri. Ontario had 23 stores at the start of the 1980s. After Cook United acquired Rink's Bargain City in 1981, it dropped the Ontario name in May and converted 19 stores to Rink's or Cooks. Cook United later entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1984 and closed its remaining stores in 1987, then liquidated under Chapter 7.
Product features
- Unstructured 6-panel body for a relaxed, low-profile fit
- Permacurv® precurved visor with 4-row stitching and color-matched underbill
- Self-fabric hideaway strap with antique brass buckle and grommet for adjustable fit
- 100% cotton construction (Green Camo variant 65% polyester / 35% cotton)
- Sewn-in label and brand sticker on visor; adult sizing (not for ages 0–3)
Care instructions
- Use warm water and dish soap and clean spots off your hat. It's not necessary to soak the whole item. For hard to clean spots use a soft bristled brush.