Located a stone’s throw from Texas A&M University in College Station, the Mad Hatter is an oasis of serenity in a small town that attracts thousands of visitors annually.  Set in the midst of downtown shops in Caldwell, the tearoom is a haven for the region and a retreat for locals.  Owned by Johnny and Jeanie Price, a full-time registered nurse, they opened the tearoom 13 years ago, as she says, as a reward for working hard and staying the course.

“We’ve always walked the straight and narrow, and have based our shop on service to others,” Jeanie recalls.  The proprietors wanted to create an environment that wasn’t stuffy, but one that is very serious about tea. In a century old, brick building with historic architecture, the tea bar is stocked with specialty teas that could keep you in an endless bliss. The ambiance offers a uniqueness, a charm, and a feeling of stepping back in time.  It’s a bright and airy tearoom and an ambiance that is anchored by hats of all shapes and sizes. At The Mad Hatter, it’s all about the hat you are wearing on your life’s journey.

Special hats include a black hat with cabbage roses (center), from the early 1900’s, belonging to Claudia C. Robbins, the first Dean of Women of Baylor University, her granddaughter was the Chamber director for many years. “The chamber director donated this hat, her father was born in the women’s dorm at Baylor and she said that’s why he loved women all his life. To the left, is a 1947 Mr. Dior wedding hat from Sakowitz in Houston,” shares Jeanie. “It belonged to a 92 years young patron who still comes in for tea.  Most hats on display are from local people, and if they have pasted on, family members will come in to share stories.” The collection exhibited on a prominent ledge through the tea room is whimsical and inspirational, including hats from the Czech Republic, all major Caldwell dept stores, the local lodge, a bishop, and Jeanie’s dad.

Jeanie has given hat presentations to many groups including the Harris County Historical Society.  She incorporates the history of hats from cavemen to present, from protection to status symbols. Then she talks about her life. “I’ve worn lots of different hats in my life, women in general wear many hats” she recalls. “In my life, I did not finish high school and got married when I was 16. Early on, my husband became very ill and I needed to find a job. I had never worked, but God provided ways for me to get my GED and attend nursing school in Conroe, creating a career that has lasted all my life.” Jeanie puts on her nurses’ cap and shares the inspiring story of getting started. Today, she works at the local hospital Sunday- Tuesday and operates the tea room Wednesday-Saturday, 8am-5pm.

Then she puts on her funky, purple Tea Room hat. “Having a tea room is not a lot different from nursing, it’s about making people feel better, it’s a service kind of job. I hope guests leave feeling renewed- feed your body and refresh your soul. Then I talk about the invisible hat that we should wear. As a Christian, there is the armor of God, the shield, and the helmet of salvation, it’s the most beautiful hat of all.” After her presentations, men and women share their hat stories that touch Jeanie deeply, she says everyone has a hat story.

The Mad Hatter has always made time to offer special celebrations for young royalty. “We have an extensive dress-up room (over 200 sq ft) with walls of princess and gentlemen items for our small guests to engulf themselves in the moment. They love hats and a fashion show is produced once they are done dressing,” Jeanie points out. Beyond the hats, everyone enjoys the wears: clothing, shoes, jewelry, gloves and more. It’s a walk-in closet of playtime attire that excites any tea lover. “We purchased the first items, then the room began to fill-up with gifts from our regulars, they are the best.”

The shop completes tea parties with make-up, an etiquette class, afternoon tea (with teapot shaped sandwiches) and cupcakes to top it off. “I’ll read a story during the party: Miss Fanny’s Hat, Emma Lee’s Magic Teapot, Three Hat Day and Miss Spider’s Tea Party are favorites and we’ll share tea party secrets,” tells Jeanie. “Miss Fannies’s Hat by Jan Karon is a about her grandmother’s hat that is auctioned off at her church, it’s a neat book about faith and trust.”  Summer brings innovation to parties at the Mad Hatter when most small guests prefer cold tea (pink lemonade), during the winter months hot apple cider is desired.

The thriving retail side of The Mad Hatter is filled with teapots, gifts, hats, home decor, positive affirmations, upscale clothing and much more, all endorsed by Jeanie herself. “Teatime is an experience, and I want it to be like nothing guests have had before. If you’ve never worn a hat, put one on and look in the mirror, you might see a different person.” adds Jeanie. “We love what we do, we want it to show.” By showing faith in her business- some days she is paid with money, other days she is paid with hugs- it’s the healing nature of tea.