I'm enjoying all these pleasant April days, even with almost constant wind! The time to work outdoors is now!
After a busy morning, we sat down to lunch and watched Death Valley Days. Do you remember this program? It was one of many shows that my parents enjoyed. This particular episode, entitled The Hat That Wore the West, aired on October 23, 1962, and was all about the story of John Stetson. It was factual, telling the story of Stetson, who was not a well person and journeyed west, hoping his health would improve. The story goes on to say he befriends trapper Dan Willis, his health improves as they become fur traders, only to lose the furs in an avalanche. Before this time, Stetson had begun to craft his own hats, which was to lead him to a prosperous future. This particular episode won a 1963 Western Award as Best Factual Television Program with true accounts of the American Old West, particularly the Death Valley Country of southeastern California.
Each of the 452 television episodes was introduced by a host. The longest running was "The Old Ranger", played by Stanley Andrews. Following his departure, Ronald Reagan, Robert Taylor, and Dale Robertson continued the television series as hosts.
As I am remembering days gone by, there is always the memory of Daddy, who enjoyed western movies, especially Death Valley Days and also reading western magazines. He never owned a Stetson hat.
I know he would have been proud to have one.
"The sun was warm but the wind was chill
you know how it is with an April Day.
When the sun is out and the wind is still
You're one month on in the middle of May
But if you so much as dare to speak
a cloud come over the sunlit arch
And wind comes off the frozen peak
and you're two months back in the middle of March."
~Robert Frost~
