On April 27, as the city experienced extreme heat of 91 degrees, there were just a few days remaining until Straw Hat Day on May 1. This day marked the social convention when men could finally transition from winter hats to lighter summer straw hats. However, despite the soaring temperatures, a Times reporter noted that only two men were wearing straw hats on Broadway, while the majority of men were still clad in winter headgear.

Thousands of men trudged through the heat, struggling with their heavy winter hats perched uncomfortably on their heads or clasped in their sweaty hands. This scenario illustrated the prevailing adherence to societal norms despite the uncomfortable weather, reflecting both the rigid customs of the time and the discomfort individuals were willing to endure before embracing the seasonal change.