By Jessica Coates
jessica.coates@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Salisbury City Council declared that Jan. 16, 2018, was Ruth Booker Day.

Booker, who turned 95 in December, is known in the community as “the hat lady.” She has been designing and wearing her turbans since 1965.

According to the proclamation read by Mayor Al Heggins at Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Booker was also a former J.C. Price American Legion Post beauty queen and co-founder of the Rowan Craft Association.

In addition to hats, Booker has sewn dresses, blouses and coats. She also made alterations and designed window displays for stores like Belk Harry and Purcell’s.

Booker is the third of 11 children.

Booker’s daughter, Eleanor Qadirah — founder of the Rowan Blues and Jazz Festival — was with her when Heggins presented the proclamation.

When Heggins finished presenting it, she asked Booker if she would like to say anything to meeting attendees.

Booker decided she would take questions instead.

One woman shouted from the back of the chambers, “How do you stay looking so young?”

“Drink tea,” Booker said. “Green tea.”

Qadirah, who was seated next to her mother in the chambers, nodded her head in agreement and said, “Every day.”

Booker then added, “And help everybody. If you don’t want to help them, tell them.”

She finished by saying, “I’m not a speech person. But I’ll give you advice. If you don’t want it, don’t take it.”

Booker’s nephew was also present when Booker received her proclamation.

Contact reporter Jessica Coates at 704-797-4222.