About Tophat's
Todd (Tophat) Olson has been reenacting since his first Battle of Olustee in 1982. He and Becky met in 1993, which is the first year she joined him in his hobby and both continue to enjoy history and bringing it to life.
We married in 1996 in a Civil War wedding in our backyard so that members of Todd's Fire Department could attend while on duty and be able to go on any calls that came in (which they did but fortunately came after the vows).
Todd spent a total of 39 years in the fire service between his professional career and the years of volunteering. He retired in 2010 and Becky retired in 2012 after 30 years in the group insurance industry.
In 1998, while both still working full-time, we started our Sutlery and named it after the nickname Todd was called during his many years as a reenactor wearing his famous grey battle topper. Just a few items under a fly of their wall tent, setting up late on a Friday night after work.
 One of many Tophat's products found in museums
The Sutlery started out with a few antique items but mostly featured Todd's beautiful woodworking, which he continues today. His wood items can be found in several museum displays.
Once retired, we could devote ourselves full-time during reenacting season to traveling the country selling ourwares. A few years ago we stumbled on a gentleman at a flea market that poured solid brass belt buckles 20 years ago. We purchased the equipment and now we have nearly 260 patterns to choose from.
A few years after that, we bought out a friend and fellow sutler of his leather working items and started our leather works shop. Being able to put together a belt and buckle from start to finish is rewarding and fun when not rushed!
Along the way, we discovered the need for a 1840s Sutler, so Tophat's answered the call, now being the only 1840s Sutler on the road.