Raymond Hudd photographs and papers, 1950-2000, bulk 1950-1990

Advance appointment required to view color photographs from cold storage or negatives from cool storage; please email research@chicagohistory.org.

Advance appointment with special permission required to view original items in special storage.

Copyright restrictions may apply. Credit photographer(s).

Materials were a gift of the Estate of Raymond Huddlestun (2015.0055.1-.3).

Raymond Hudd photographs and papers (Chicago History Museum) plus a detailed description, date, and box/folder number of a specific item.

Photographic material, printed material, scrapbook, business records, business ledgers, and promotional materials created by or related to Raymond Hudd, the Raymond Hudd Hat Studio, and the Chicago Space Age Club. Images depict a variety of Hudd's hats, including "Huddlines,” or designs inspired by current events and newspaper headlines; views of Hudd working inside his studio; and exterior and interior views of Hudd's studio window displays at 2545 North Clark Street and original Oak Street location. Photographic materials also include autographed photographs of such famous clients as actress Joan Crawford and comedian Phyllis Diller. Business and printed materials relate to the Raymond Hudd Hat Studio. Other photographs and printed materials relate to Hudd's involvement with the Chicago Space Age Club. Images depict the club's dedication ceremony, members, activities, Hudd speaking at club events, special guests and fellow “contactees” Dana Howard and George Adamski, and Hudd's parents attending a Space Age Club event.

Raymond Hudd (1924-2011) was a Chicago-based milliner best known for his bold and whimsical hat designs. In 1948, Hudd left his home state of Michigan to begin coursework at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. After his graduation in 1950, he opened a hat studio and retail store, the Raymond Hudd Hat Studio, housed first on Oak Street and later at 2545 North Clark Street. Hudd also served as president of the Space Age Club of Chicago, which he founded in 1959. The Space Age Club was comprised of "contactees," or people who believed they had experienced contact with unidentified flying objects. Some members also claimed to have seen and spoken to alien beings. The club's headquarters was first located in Hudd’s studio on Clark Street but relocated to 635 North State Street as membership grew.

Related materials at the Chicago History Museum, Research Center, include the Benjamin Benedict Green-Field photograph collection [graphic], ca. 1920-1988; the Dan Fox papers [manuscript], ca. 1910-1986; and the Edna Muller papers [manuscript], 1906-1908.

• Subject
  • Clubs--Illinois--Chicago--20th century
  • Human-alien encounters
  • Millinery--Illinois--Chicago--20th century
• Names
  • Hudd, Raymond--1924-2011--Archives
  • Raymond Hudd Hat Studio
  • Chicago Space Age Club
  • Huddlines
• Geographic Coverage
  • Lincoln Park (Chicago, Ill.)
  • 2545 N. Clark St. (Chicago, Ill.)

The collection is arranged in two series.

Series 1: Raymond Hudd Hat Studio, 1950-2000 (box 1, folder 1)

Black-and-white and color photographic prints, transparencies, and polaroids; printed material; business records; business ledgers; and promotional material related the Raymond Hudd Hat Studio. Images depict completed hat designs, including "Huddlines," and views of Hudd's studio and window displays. Ledgers detail Hudd's hat sales and include client names, studio bills, and supplies such as fabrics used for the creation of hats. Included in the promotional material is a printed pamphlet descibing Hudd's hat designs and business. Printed materials include a 1979 Chicago Tribune newspaper clipping highlighting the Raymond Hudd Hat Studio.

Series 2: Space Age Club, 1961-1972 (box 2)

Scrapbook of color and black-and-white photographs and printed materials documenting the Space Age Club of Chicago. Images depict the club's dedication ceremony, meetings, events, activities, fashion shows, and member portraits, including special guest "contactees," author Dana Howard and Polish-American ufologist George Adamski. Also included is a view of Raymond Hudd's storefront with signs reading "Space Age Club." Printed materials include the club's manifesto and newsletters.