Many times, when preparing estate sales, we run across iconic Stetson hats. Not only the famous cowboy hat, but also many other dapper styles. John B. Stetson was raised in a family of hat makers, but due to his struggles with tuberculosis was forced to move westward from his Philadelphia home.
He traveled to Missouri and was hired to work for a brick company, but after the company was destroyed in a flood, he had to look for work elsewhere. Stetson decided to take a chance with a group of pioneers headed to Colorado. The travelers collected many animal pelts to use to shelter them from the relentless heat and rain of the plains, but they had no way of tanning the hides. This is where Stetson was able to rely on the skills he had learned in the hat-making process to show the others how to felt the animal hides, which would make them durable and waterproof.
He made a hat with a big wide brim to help protect them from the sun as somewhat of a joke, and the first cowboy hat was born! Supposedly a bullwhacker saw the hat and paid Stetson the princely sum of a five dollar gold piece for his wide brimmed hat. After spending about a year out West, Stetson’s tuberculosis symptoms had greatly improved although it still prevented him from serving in the military during the Civil War.
He saved up about $100 and headed back East to start his own hat-making business. He made several styles of hats that were popular during the time, but he found himself wanting to try making the high crowned wide brimmed hat he had made out west and marketed as an outdoorsman work hat. He called this model the “Boss of the Plains” and sent samples to several stores out West. The idea worked, and he received hundreds of orders.
Stetson was known for being a man of character and kindness. He treated his employees very well and gave them bonuses and encouraged them to save and buy their own houses which he helped finance with his own savings and loan. He provided health care for his employees from his own doctor, which was unheard of at this time.
Stetson hats were known for the quality, and the cowboy hat became an icon of the American West. Stetson also produced ladies’ hats as well as military hats for countries all over the world. There is so much more to learn, so check out your favorite search engine or library to learn more about these works of art. Vintage Stetson hats can bring hundreds of dollars if they are in excellent condition and have their original box. Happy Collecting!
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