A Brief History of the Hat Man

Banksy once said – and we’re paraphrasing – Graffiti is one of the few tools you have if you have almost nothing. And, even if you don't come up with a picture to cure world poverty you can make someone smile while they're having a week.

In short, what makes you happy AND pay a little bit of attention?

Charleston has always been known for its sharp-dressed men and women. But where do these people shop? And how did they find out about that place to begin with?

It isn't surprising that this history involves a well-placed address with a significant piece of architecture and varied backgrounds. Some would say that such a structure would be severely affected by common graffiti, but that doesn't seem to be the case for the Plenge building at the corner of Broad and Church Streets.

Construction of the structure was initiated in 1855 by Charles Love and Conrad Wienges for their service to the “carriage” trade—saddlery and harnesses. The sale to Charles Plenge in 1855 brought a change to the clientele—from horses to people. At some point in the ensuing years, Mister Plenge’s Haberdashery was sold to one of his employees, A. Beauregard Betancourt Sr. Today the building has been renovated and restored with a multiple-use designation having offices on the ground floor and stylish apartments upstairs. Notably, it still maintains the original Plenge facade.

So, how does graffiti fit in? Well, the most well-known name for the building is the “Hat Man Building.” For over 100 years, everyone walking past might have noticed the hand-painted figure on the Church Street side of the building that gives name to the structure.

Legend has it that Mr. Betancourt was something of a cartoonist known for his hand-drawn figures. Sometime around 1892, the hand-painted figure of a man appeared on the side of his clothing business. It was noted then as a perfect advertisement for the shop which served all of Charleston's most notable and well-dressed businessmen. The haberdashery was known for hand-tailored suits and appropriate hat wear. The later became the inspiration for Mr. Betancourt's painting of the Hat Man on the side of his store.

The colors of the painting have changed ever so slightly over the century yet it continues to intrigue passers-by. This artwork is comprised almost entirely of hats—at least 12 styles of them—from the top hat on his head to his ears made up of two different styles of soldier’s hats to the sailor caps as shoes on his feet.

It doesn't seem to have mattered beyond the normal Charleston concern for architecture since Mr. Betancourt died in 1944. His now-famous painting has been lovingly restored by those involved with historic preservation.

While you may not be able to top off the night with a stylish bowler or crown yourself with a fancy fedora at this particular location, the Hat Man is a reminder of our thick Charleston history and how we should always look our best.

Or, should we say the bee’s knees? Beau Brummel? The cat’s pajamas? You’ll just have to cap this one off for yourselves.

~ David Joyner and Kristen N. Granet