Alternate names

Walt Larson Cowboy Hat

Description

Narrow brimmed hat with large soft crown, slightly folded sides, diamond osft crease

History of Use

Literally volumes could be written about our pioneers, people such as Walt Larson for example. They lived in a time when men were men, as well as good friends, and horses were horses, not play things. Born on Nov. 2 in 1891 in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, Walt grew up hunting and fishing, selling what he could catch for spending money. You could almost read Walt’s life written on his face. The wrinkles made from years of smiling and squinting into the sun and the dark shadows, reminders of those harsh winters when he had cows to look after and nearly froze to death pulling them through. Walt got involved in ranching when he moved to Alberta as a young man. Eventually drifting to Saskatchewan, Walt was hired to break horses on the T-Down Ranch, which was eventually amalgamated with a few other ranches to become the famous 76 ranch. By 1922, Walt had gotten his own land in the Frenchmen valley and started his own ranching operation. Cows were Walt’s life. He reaped much success over the years raising Aberdeen Angus cattle, although it didn’t begin that way. Walt suffered many embarrassing moments at the hands of kidding friends who wanted to know how many calves he lost down gopher holes. Through many years of hard work and good management, Walt’s Angus cows have become known as one of the best herds in the country. His cattle have earned many winnings over the years, both in American and Canadian cattle shows. Walt continued ranching full time until 1968, moving to Val Marie in the winters while continuing to ranch in the summer. Walt was a colourful figure in black Stetson as he rode straight and tall, riding a good horse, every inch a cowboy and a gentleman. He is a man who will always be well respected.

Materials

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