National Park Service Ranger Hat
by Lone Palm Studio
Title
National Park Service Ranger Hat
Artist
Lone Palm Studio
Medium
Photograph - Fine Art Print
Description
.
Early history of the National Park Service Ranger Hat:
While technically not an insignia, the ranger hat has become synonymous with the ranger service. Even similar police hats are called "Smokey the Bear" hats. Speaking of Smokey, it is ironic that the symbol of the Forest Service should be wearing a Park Service ranger hat. It would appear that this "Stetson" style of felt hat evolved from Stetson's first "Boss of the Plains," which he marketed in 1863. This style has long been known as the "ranger" hat, no doubt from being used previously by the Texas Rangers. The first hats worn by rangers in the Park Service were Stetsons like those of the Army. These were usually creased fore and aft, but there were no regulations on the subject and it was left to the ranger to do whatever styling he wished.
When the first "authorized" uniforms were ordered in 1911, they included a "felt camping hat after the Stetson style." It can be assumed that this was a continuation of what the rangers were familiar with. With the ordering of uniforms in 1912, though, an "Alpine" style hat was specified. From the drawing submitted by Sigmund Eisner, it would appear that this was the forerunner of the current stiff-brimmed hat. Photographs bear this out. They show a hat similar to what the rangers wear now, except for a higher "Montana" peak. This would seem to prove that when Mark Daniels attempted to formalize the Park Service uniform in 1914, the hat was already being used.
The hat was first formally specified in the 1920 uniform regulations. They stated that it would be "Stetson, either stiff or cardboard brim, 'belly' color." This, more than likely, is a ratification of what was already being worn by the rangers.
The 1932 regulations specified that the "Stetson hat" was to have a "three inch stiff brim," was to be equipped with the "prescribed National Park Service leather hatband," and was to be considered the standard headpiece for use in "all National Parks and National Monuments." There were exceptions to the "all." Employees in the eastern parks and monuments and rangers assigned to motorcycle duties were authorized to wear an "English Army Officer" style, of the same material as their uniforms.
Photographic images by
John Stephens �
.
Uploaded
March 31st, 2012
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