Stetson Hat
Artifact IDMO 63.1424.1
Object Type
Hat
Date
1962-1963
Date Presented11/22/63
Maker
Stetson Hat Company
(Founded 1865)
Place MadeTexas, United States
Medium
felt wool, grosgrain ribbon
DimensionsOverall H 5 in x W 12 1/2 in x D 14 in. Size 7 1/2 (12.7 cm x 31.8 cm x 35.6 cm)
Physical DescriptionGrey felt cowboy hat, with cord hat band with button on top, pierced with hat pin in shape of brand "JBS" for John B. Stetson. The interior hat band has gold printing: "Washer Bros, Fort Worth/ Open Road/ Stetson Twenty Five/ John B. Stetson Company".
Historical NoteThis Stetson hat was given to President Kennedy for "some protection against the rain" during a breakfast hosted by the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce at the Texas Hotel on the morning of November 22, 1963. Kennedy was averse to wearing hats so, despite encouragement from the crowd, he did not put the Stetson on, saying, “I’ll put it on in the White House on Monday. If you come up there, you’ll have a chance to see it then.”
Additional DetailsCustodial History NoteItem was given to President Kennedy on November 22, 1963 in Texas by Raymond Buck president of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. It was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesKennedy Administration Collection 1960-1963 (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view
Related Links
"President Kennedy receives hat at Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce breakfast"
