To: "'Mounted search and rescue'" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Stetson
Date: Fri, 14 Jul 2006 14:52:10 -0400
Before there was plastic there was Stetson. The felt of a true Stetson
historically served several purposes-- sunshade, insulation in winter, air
conditioner(wet), rain protection, and even a shock absorber for the head
(lots of crush space over the head). Plus it was useful around camp as a
bucket, flag, signaling device, and decoy. Unfortunately, man invented
paving and the need for more head protection than a true felt Stetson
provided. Remember that mounted cops wear ballistic protection as well as
fall protection and the only cops I know of that emphasize wearing a white
Stetson are the Texas Rangers, and they mostly drive today.
And you must realize that all true Stetson hats were made in Philadelphia
(PA).