STONE HARBOR BUSINESS MENAND U.S. COAST GUARDSMEN (PHOTO TAKEN 1939)

Perhaps this photo was taken on some special occasion when these distinguished local persons were assembled. This 1939 photo found in the Stone Harbor Museum archives section shows and identifies some of the following individuals. Here is the information that was provided and accompanied this photo.
Front Row from left to right: John Lawlor, George Potter, Thomas F. Gowen – borough councilman 1935-1939, Harry Little and Dutch Letzkus, store proprietor.

Back Row from left to right (only 4 of the six men are identified): Frank Orr, Commander Thompson, Mayor H. Irvin Gerhart – borough Mayor 1935-1939, and Captain Hearon – Coast Guard Station.

Notice the classic, semi-formal summer flat straw hats worn by a couple of the men. These stiff hats made of sennet straw had a stiff flat crown or striped grosgrain ribbon around the crown and were popular in the late 19th century and the early 20th century and had many names including boater, basher, skimmer, The English Panama, cady, katie, canotier, somer or sennit hat.

Obviously, everyday dress was certainly more formal back in 1939 than today. Neckties and hats as well as jackets or short coats were also customary apparel for men in 1939.