What is the Fedora Lounge?

[Big Joe]

What is the Fedora Lounge?

I came across this web site quite by accident.
I assumed this forum had something to do with Dick Tracy or Bogart.

I was looking for information on WW2 re-enacting, but have grown interested in other era's and vintage fashion. For that matter some of what is discussed here has as much to do with modern fashion as anything.

So, what is this place all about?

Big Joe

 

[Nathan Flowers]

Well....

Initially, the vast majority of us were interested in getting a hat/jacket like the one in Raiders of the Lost Ark, so we posted over at Indygear's forum. Soon enough, many of us became more interested in other hats, and even things like suits, pocketwatches, old cars, and leather military jackets. Because Indygear is so laser-focused on Indy, MK decided to create the Lounge, to give folks a place to post about the good life.

If I recall correctly, that was in 2003. In the time since then, it has ballooned into a huge forum, with places for the ladies (The Powder Room), Military Reenactors, and over 1700 members.

It's just a place for folks to talk about vintage things, and enjoy themselves.

 

[MK]

.

Hi Joe. It is all that and more. To understand what it is, we should look at how it came about. This how it all went down:

I created this joint because I was over at Club Obi Wan ...which deals a little bit with period but it is all through the narrow lens of Indiana Jones. I wanted more of the 30-40's than was appropriate there. There was another little board called Austin's Cafe American (now defunct) that was on the right track but the place was a free for all. Management was unwilling to keep the peace. It was pretty close to meeting my needs but I saw the writing on the wall. It wouldn't last and I was going to make myself miserable dealing with jerks. Nobody was doing what was needed, so I had to build it myself.

So The Fedora Lounge was born. That was in May of 2003. We had a funky board on Ezboard. There were just a handful of us. We developed the catagories and worked on the look. I like many aspects of the golden era, but I am a big fan of film noir, especially Bogart and Ladd. Chandler is man. I love the fedora and trench coat look. So I chose that to be the identity of The Fedora Lounge. My blueprint was an old world gentlemen's club. A classy place where you discuss issues of the day in a civilized way over a brandy.

By August of '03, we had grown to a hundred or so. I could tell the place was catching on, so I invested some dough and time, bought the name and created a professional and robust board with vbulletin so we could have more control and stability.

We were gaining 30-40 people a month for a year or so. Then I discovered Atomic magazine. I am in magazine publishing too so I contacted Leslie, the editor-in-chief. We both love vintage/retro, so we got along . Unfortunately the magazine folded. Leslie put our banner on there website and all the people that were going through withdrawals of no magazine visited here. We grow 100 members a month. Also up to that time we only had two girls here. A lot of the growth was women. That changed the tone a bit. It made us more well rounded.

The growth has continued as the word has spread to various vintage circles, WWII reinactors, hat lovers, classic car guys, swing dancers, classy dressers, history buffs, collectors of all kinds and people who just love the golden era. To answer your question what is this place? It is whatever aspect of the golden era you like. You will find like-minded people to share that interest.

We are currently at 1800 members and we are growing at 200 a month. Where is it all going?

Beats me....but it is a fun ride!

 

[MK]

.

Ah...Zohar beat me to it.

 

[Brad Bowers]

Looking into my crystal ball, I foresee... an FL magazine about the Golden Era with articles on history, fashion, decorum, and short noir fiction.

Well, a guy can dream!:cool2: I didn't realize the Lounge was that new. I lurked for a little while before joining in December 2003, so I guess I haven't missed much. It's been interesting watching the growth swell the ranks of this place, particularly the last six months or so. Sure, there have been growing pains, but this is still the best place on the 'Net. It'll only get better.

Brad

 

[Senator Jack]

Suggested by Brad Bowers:

Looking into my crystal ball, I foresee... an FL magazine about the Golden Era with articles on history, fashion, decorum, and short noir fiction.

Not only is that not a bad idea, Brad, but a brilliant one. Just look at how many magazines get it wrong.

Regards,

Senator Jack

 

[Nathan Flowers]

Ah...Zohar beat me to it.

Yes, but you invested more time in the answer, explained it a lot better

 

[nightandthecity]

A magazine? That does sound like a good idea...there's an incredible amount of knowledge here and a lot of great stuff gets published and then disappears to the back of beyond as more threads and posts come in. I know its still there but its just not the same as the printed page. Plus people would be writing more carefully and thoughtfully for print. Perhaps we do need something a bit more solid than cyberspace to preserve the best ideas and information?

 

[MK]

.

Brad's crystal ball is pretty amazing. That is one project that is being looked at very closely.

Hey Brad! Does that thing work for the stock market of the lottery?

 

[Brad Bowers]

Hey Brad! Does that thing work for the stock market of the lottery?

Sadly, not this one. I couldn't afford to upgrade to the model that features financial prognostication.

If you need a writer, let me know.

Brad

 

[scotrace]

Will follow closely

Brad's crystal ball is pretty amazing. That is one project that is being looked at very closely.

Neat! I hope I hear you saying what I think I hear you saying, except I read it instead of hear it. Which is most helpful, as I'm deaf as a post.

 

[jake_fink]

Thanks for the BG, MK. I thought the degree of Indiana Jones love was a little weird, until you put it in context. I think this forum is great, and I want to credit you with supporting a forum in which the views that are expressed may not always reflect your own. You manage to maintain an equal field where anyone can express their views so long as they do not disrespect those of other members. I like that a lot. So, thanks. :cheers1:

The idea of a magazine that deals with the finer points of the golden era, with style and culture and in a glossy (or at least clearly printed) format is so appealing that I'm getting all excited just thinking about it . Let us know when you need editors and/or contributors.

:cheers1:

 

[Hemingway Jones]

The thing that makes me proud of being part of this board is what a tremendous resource it is. If you do a Google search on virtually any topic from the Golden Era, The Fedora Lounge will be in the top five of your matches. That is amazing. Also, did you ever notice how many people are on-line at a time, especially guests?

This is an important research tool, as well as a wonderful sounding board for all topics about the Golden Era. I have learned many things and met many wonderful people.

A magazine would be such a wonderful extension of this. I am excited with the prospect and offer my services, if they are needed.

 

[Bebop]

I'll tell you what it is to me.

The Fedora Lounge is one of the few places, not only on the internet but anywhere, that you can present your point of view on subjects in an adult manner and get an adult counterpoint to your point......most of the time. There will always be the exception but most of the time, this place is great at policing itself. There seems to be an adult minded community that has respect for one another. I live an unconventional life with less than popular religious and political beliefs and to find that I somewhat fit into a place that loves conventional ways is saying alot for The Lounge. It is also a great place to tap others brains on vintage any and everything. It seems that anyone that is an expert on something passes through The Lounge. I came here for the hat talk and found that there was more than just hats to talk about.

 

[whistlebait]

I live an unconventional life with less than popular religious and political beliefs and to find that I somewhat fit into a place that loves conventional ways is saying alot for The Lounge.

That was very well put,Bebop and that sums up the reasons that I have chose to continue to post here. It's what makes it special, the acceptance and tolerance of various viewpoints in an mature manner. Thanks MK and all of the bartenders for making this place so swell.

 

[John in Covina]

Loungers & Loungettes!

I?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢d like to bring up this idea: as collectors, wearers, re-enactors, restorers and even manufacturer?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s, we have a definitive interest in things Vintage. The Vintage interests go from clothes to as many related items as you could think of, you?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢ll find this group shows an interest... Many groups come together in local, regional, national and international CLUBS. Would it be possible to make the next step and organizing? Of course, with organization comes the need for a nominal fee, used to produce a club magazine or news letter of modest means. A club rag could be published perhaps 2 to 4 times per year. This publication would be made up of articles supplied by the members, manufacturers and suppliers with notes of reference materials to be found in other publications and perhaps online. It would not need to be a glossy color rag, but a paragon of fun and reference material, where hard-won information can be as either newly rediscovered or from the age when fedoras ruled the planet gets passed down for posterity and the use of the members.

Then, we could consider a yearly Vintage Jamboree. Logistically, my suggestion would be to tag on to a national level Vintage show, using some of the $ from the club fees to get a booth or table, maybe two as our headquarters for the show. Perhaps assist with travel expenses for those who ?¢‚Ǩ?ìman?¢‚Ǩ? the booth(s). Consider having displays and demonstrations at the booth, along with info for interested attendees on joining the lounge.

Logistically, I suggested Las Vegas, if there is a Vintage Show there because Las Vegas tends to have:
?¢‚Ǩ¬¢ frequent and inexpensive flights from most areas,
?¢‚Ǩ¬¢ lots of inexpensive accommodations if you check on line,
?¢‚Ǩ¬¢ set up to accommodate conventioneers
?¢‚Ǩ¬¢ lots of entertainment and distractions other than gambling,
?¢‚Ǩ¬¢ some great buffets etc. to eat on the cheap.
?¢‚Ǩ¬¢ Some pretty neat antique shops and malls.

Now some where out there is the info on How to start a CLUB, maybe the Library of Congress, I don?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢t know. But I do know that a group such as this can evolve and perhaps become a little more formalized. I would look forward to having a membership card, a club cloisonn?ɬ© pin and receiving a newsletter stuffed with advice and info on vintage, antiques and new stuff.

With Sincere and best regards,

 

[The Wolf]

That's a good question

I pulled out my dictionary and it says as follows:
"The Fedora Lounge is an on-line site for Golden Era devotees or people curious about the '30s and '40s. Members can get information about specific topics of said time period or chat with like-minded people. You can find information here or there and chat with this-one or that-one and how are you, Big Joe?"

I know it isn't a perfect answer but you know how dictionaries get.

The Wolf

 

[MK]

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The Fedora Lounge is a club, John....and you are a member. We have get together s in LA, London and New York.

No membership card....but that is an interesting idea. We are working on a pin.

 

[Nathan Flowers]

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Bump with some info on history for the new crowd. Looks like the magazine has really come to fruition.

 

[Tony in Tarzana]

MK's first post in this thread should be in the FAQ if it isn't already.