Our object of the month for January is this women’s cloche felt hat from the iconic Ward Bros. store once located on Lisbon Street. Founded by cousins Larry Ward and David Mersons, Ward’s was one of many stores owned and operated by Lewiston’s Jewish population. Wards was state-recognized and considered one of Maine’s premiere Women’s apparel shops. While Ward’s would continue to be a Lewiston staple throughout the mid-20th century, like many other businesses in the local area, the location closed in 1987 as a direct result of waning industrial strength in the Lewiston and Auburn communities.