Caledonia Argus

Redwood Red Hatters singing up a storm

Posted: 6/8/04

By David Heiller
Argus News Editor

Business came to a halt at Lorraine Thillenís cash register for a few fun minutes on June 1.

A group of 16 ladies marched in and filled the back of the store to sing a song that Thillen helped write.

The song was about them ñ the Redwood Red Hat Ladies. They meet every Tuesday morning at the Redwood Cafe in Caledonia, and they arenít hard to spot with their red and purple clothing and hats that Thillen calls ìoutlandish.î

They had started writing a song about themselves, then hit some writerís block. That led them to Thillen, who has a well-known knack for writing funny songs. She wrote and performed many songs for Founders Day, often about the Volunteer of the Year.

ìI still do it as a hobby,î she said before the invasion of the Red Hatters. ìItís fun to do it. Doesnít take me long.î

The ladies who sang for her were Ardyce Esch, Phyllis Vick, Joyce Ranzenberger, Rita Noel, Donna Kasten, Audrey Ranzenberger, Mavis Kruckow, Pat Wiebke, Mary Jameson, Phyllis Chiglo, Carol Meiners, Jean Knox, Marie Klinski, Joanne Olson, Joyce Schroeder, Josie Gavin, Margie Sather and Donna Inglett. (Joan Worden did not make it.)

Here are the words to the song they sang.:

Put on your red hat ladies

Put on your hat and smile

Put on your red hat ladies

Gonna be here for awhile (refrain)

We are the Redwood Red Hatters

We are a happy bunch

We go to Daveís on Tuesday

And have a little lunch

The crew at the Redwood smile at us

When we walk in the door

Because they know next Tuesday

Weíll be back for more

Although our hats are mostly red

We add a flair or two

Depending on the holiday

We make them look brand new

Weíre all retired ladies

Who keep busy every day

Our special day is Tuesday

Because we eat at Daveís

We try to add variety

To make our lives more fun

So if you need a break today

Come join us everyone

Refrain

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