Pioneer Emporium & Virginia City Hat Maker

Donald Sexauer

2024-05

I have been wanting a hat from Pascal for years. Visiting family in Verdi, so I went to Virginia City, and the Virginia City Hatmaker.(Pascal Baboulin) Y’all, I love my hat, and Pascal was great. Such a pro., funny and great to talk to. If you’re looking for a great hat look no further. The Virginia City Hatmaker is the place. They have a great selection of hats off the rack or have one custom made like I did. Man, I love my hat! Thank you, thank you, thank you Pascal!Slight note, months later I still love my hat, so does this guy!(see photos)

Rusty Shackleford

2024-02

Pascal is awesome! Houston is different but kinda like him anyway (can't speak to his boots as can't afford that). If you want someone to make you an awesome hat, hit Pascal up. 3 years now and 3 hats. Super nice guy and I look forward to coming to VC just to see him. Luckily I can catch a spot and get another hat each time. Do yourself a favor if you have any interest in a hat and let him make you one. They are not cheap but it's a truly custom for you piece that should last a lifetime and an hour or more of an awesome experience watching him take a blank and form whichever type/style you chose. Looking forward to next year. (PS of Pascal sees this my username is not my real name 😉)

Richard Imbeault

2024-02

I walked in thinking there was no way I could afford a custom hat... I walked out with a custom hat. Pascal is an amazing artisan, he makes an amazing product while you watch, and unlike a mass produced hat, this one fits literally perfectly! Six stars!

Terry Padrta

2024-05

Pascal Baboulin is a true craftsman, he made me a custom hat while I waited and I must say it looks seller and fits perfectly. I was very impressed with just how hard he works and the high quality of his products. Yes you can buy a hat for less but you will never get a hat of this quality for less. Thanks be to Pascal for keeping his trade alive.

robert latona

2023-05

Definitely a great guy, still can't believe he's at it for 24 years! Went here as a kid, great to be able to buy a custom hat for my son and myself! Just be prepared to open that wallet as it's quite expensive! We love our hats!

Alexander Victor

2021-05

While on vacation July 2020 due to covid ended up in Reno. And decided to take a day trip to Virginia city. And happened to walk in to Pascal's hat shop wearing my favorite 75 year old hat in which I had spent a couple of years trying to find an exact replacement. Got into a discussion with Pascal and asked if he knew anybody who makes this hat. He informed me that nobody makes that hat anymore. But he said he could make a exact duplicate. So he told the me price which was fair but my next Question was can you make it, BLACK ON BLACK ? He said yes I said but I am very particular I want the hat to be BLACK BLACK not Grey black. he said If you are not happy, I will give you your money back!! I thought to myself this Guy is either Cocky or he's that good! So he made me this hat that is not only the exact duplicate of my 75 year old (Brown) hat but exceeded my expectations he (KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK! ) He is a complete gentlemen Awesome hat maker. And a man of his word. I am telling everyone I know about Pascal's hat making skills. The 3rd photo is the Original hat and new hat the rest are Pascal's Art work.

Lucas H

2022-05

Excellent experience seeing a felt blank be transformed into a finished custom made hat. Pascal is extremely friendly and takes pride in his craft. Very fair prices and the upmost quality. Highly recommend.

John E

2023-07

I can't accurately express just how happy I am with my new hat!!! I purchased a wool bowler hat today for about 90$. The hat maker actually adjusted the angle of the brim and molded the hat to fit perfectly! And best of all, he did it in about 10-20 minutes while I waited. He makes custom beaver fur hats, literally made to order too! This guy has over 20 years of experience making hats, and is my new favorite person for Headwear accessories. I don't think I will ever go anywhere else.Heads up, it's Virginia City, so expect to walk from wherever you park, unless you go during the off season for tourism. But if you go, you may as well check out the town, it's awesome!

sniboryder

2023-05

We had a custom hat made from Pascal. He is a true artisan craftsman 4th generation hat maker. Great experience. We will be back!

Donna Baker

2023-12

Love this shop! My husband has several custom made hats that look outstanding!

Dennis Hippert

2022-05

The exceptional experience of watching true artistry combined with an amazing product. I had no idea how satisfying it is wearing a custom fitted fedora. I didn't know what to expect from watching its creation, but probably expected a more mechanical process filled with molds and forms. Instead, I got to watch my hat come to life from the hands of a master. Incredible.

Perry Seltz

2022-05

I recently purchased a custom fitted hat from the Virginia City Hat Maker and was extremely satisfied with my purchase. The hat fits perfectly, which is a first for me as off-the-shelf hats always seem to be a compromise in fit. The materials (20x beaver) and workmanship were excellent, while the cost and turn around time was very reasonable for a custom made product. If you have ever wanted to treat yourself to a custom hat, I would definitely recommend this shop.

Colleen McDonald

2021-05

I had the pleasure today of watching a true artist at work! My daughter gave a custom hat to her dad for Christmas and we got to get it done today as a family outing. Pascal was amazing! The fit, the process, the eye to perfectly match the style to my husband was incredible. It was a joy to watch. And the hat? Flawless. Not sure I’ll ever see my husband without it again. 😊 Thank you Pascal for this wonderful experience!

Sarah Miller

2023-05

Can't complain at all. Prices are very Very fair. He is super talented and easy to talk to. He will take the time to create a good product or in my case, reshape a product. He knew what crown it was just from looking once at a picture. 55 dollars for getting the crown I actually wanted and the brim shaped too is not bad at all!

Alyxandra Madesh

2020-05

Pascal is amazing! His hat making skills are truly extraordinary. The process does take a couple hours but he is such wonderful company and he literally custom makes the hat for your head. My fiance and I adore him. Go for it, having a custom hat is worth it !

Jp Seymour

2021-05

The store is incredible!!! The fine craftsmanship in the store is mind boggling. We purchased a new custom cowboy hat for myself and my wife. Pascal was so much fun while making our hats. We came back and got 2 more hats and had a strawberry milkshake for Pascal. LOL We will be back for some custom boots & other works of art from the Men. I cant think of buying anything from a box store. When the prices are very reasonable also doing business with a small business is important!! Thank you everyone at the Shop. May God Bless you and your family.John & Alyce Seymour

Larry WALKER

2020-05

Pascal has made hats for both me and my wife. I've been wearing mine almost every day for the last three and a half years, rain or shine and it looks great. We like to stop into the shop whenever we are in town and are always greeted warmly by Pascal and Ginger. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a really fine hat, the quality lasts long after the price has been forgotten.

John Blackford

2023-05

This is one of the most successful and awe admiring stores in the Comstock. Where one can go to be fitted for a custom hat and watch it being made right before your eyes? Here of course. Time and and tradition and the love of making your hat is in each and every topper! If you do anything in Virginia City you must stop in. I guarantee this step back in time will make you believe in fine craftsmanship still exist!

Stephen Nicholas

2021-05

Wow, do you love hats? High quality custom-made hat? If so pioneer emporium is a stop you have to make! Pascal Baboulin, the owner in 4th generation hat maker is there to make you a beautiful custom-made hat. It was my pleasure to visit his store the other day to ask for help with a art hat I owned which had shrunk due to the artwork applied to it. He fixed this for me. As I looked around I was taken with the beautiful hats, primarily men's hats it also women's hats. He works with beaver and rabbit. My hat was made of both. I watched him custom make the hat in about 2 hours. All of his equipment is original and antique. He is an artist in Craftsman. His hat price is range from approximately 300 to $800. Call and make an appointment. You will be wonderfully pleased! Additionally I had the pleasure of meeting his associate Jake Houston. Jake makes boots. I looked at some of his work it was incredible. His boots require more time obviously than a hat. But if you want an amazing and beautiful pair of boots you'll find them available through Jake's beautiful craftsmanship. I recommend Pascal and his hats. While he is a Frenchman living in the United States, a fourth generation hat maker, interestingly he also has a master's degree in European history and trade.

Scott Harris

2022-05

Amazed by the level of awesomeness. Don’t think about it, just go do it. You need a custom hat.

Tyler Norona

2024-04

I purchased a hat for a friend and the process was amazing!

Ginger Fox

2017-05

Pascal makes the most fantastic custom beaver felt hats. His prices are reasonable and the quality is second to none. The hats are designed to last for more than one lifetime. If you've ever wanted a hat made, shaped, and sized perfectly for you- this is the place to go.

Dennis Jonas

2019-05

Pascal has made 2 hats for me over the years and I am working on the third one. These are custom made and fitted, They are a QUALITY product . I have worn mine a lot and they are both holding up very well, they still look brand new. Plus you get to visit Virginia City

John Shearin

2021-05

Pascal clearly loves his craft. My family watched as he painstakingly handcrafted a 1940’s style Fedora for me. His attention to detail, and his finely tuned skill is evident in the quality of his product.

Andrew Senelick

2022-05

In February 2021, I had this hat custom constructed. There were certain aspects I really wanted. The hat maker and I worked together to come to the final result. I cannot express how enthusiastically delighted I am! It took less than three hours.

Texas Me

2021-05

Pascal is AWESOME! he made my uncle so happy with the custom hat of a lifetime! This place is amazing! Hats knives nick nacks, dogs welcome!

James Wimbish

2021-05

You a Quality,Nice custom Hat make,then this is the place.

Lala

2022-05

Pascal was absolutely magnificent! He made a custom made hat in about an hour and was so friendly. The hat was perfect.

David Meissner

2022-05

My wife bought one of his hats and we both love it. It has survived the alkalinity in the dust kicked up at home. It still looks like brand new.

PeeWee Henson

2022-05

I HAVE A STETSON THAT I BOUGHT NEW IN 1979. ITS BEEN RAINED ON, SNOWED ON, AND TOOK A FEW TUMBLES DOWN A FEW DIRT ROADS. I WORE IT TO MY COLLEGE GRADUATION IN 1986. PASCAL PUT IN A NEW SWEATBAND AND LINER, RESHAPED IT AND STEAMED IT. MY STETSON HASN'T LOOKED THIS GOOD SINCE THE SECOND DAY AFTER I BOUGHT IT.THANK YOU PASCAL. YOU ARE A FINE CRAFTSMAN.GOT A HAT, NEED A HAT? PASCAL IS YOUR MANPEEWEE HENSON RENO, NV