Stetson Ray Bell Hat

[Strawberry Roan]

Hello Fedora Loungers,

I am new to this forum. I stumbled across FL in an internet search I was doing about my grandfather, Ray Bell. I was super surprised to learn that Stetson made a hat for him and even more surprised that there were multiple posts here about him and the Ray Bell Stetson. Some folks have asked for more information about him. I can provide that now.

My grandfather was one of six boys who came from an Irish ranching family in Wyoming, although some of the boys, including my grandfather, were born in Iowa. Ray was the second youngest and like many families in Cheyenne during that time, there wasn't really a clear path for the younger children as the eldest boys typically inherited the ranches, meat markets, and other better defined roles within the cattle business.

Ray was an outstanding athlete and a gifted rider. As some have discovered, he was a World Champion Steer Roper in Madison Square Garden in 1923 and won multiple steer roping and bronc riding events including The Pendelton Roundup. Ray is in The Cowboy Hall of Fame. In 1917 Will Rogers was traveling through Wyoming with his wild west show and saw my grandfather ride. At the age of 17, Will swooped Ray up and drove him to Los Angeles in his convertible where he began a career as a stunt rider in early Hollywood westerns. There are some passages of Ben Yagoda's book about Rogers that include stories about Ray and Will. They were great friends. Ray's story is rich and winding from here. Ray permanently settled in Los Angeles in the late 1930's with my grandmother, Florence. They raised three children, had ten grandchildren, and many great grandchildren. Ray died at the age of 96. I was 26 at the time and was lucky enough to grow up around him and all of his many fantastic stories.

I would REALLY like to understand more about this Stetson hat? Did Stetson regularly make hats of former rodeo stars? Does anyone know what year this hat was made? My grandfather worked for Louis B. Mayer for several years so I am wondering if that has something to do with how Stetson produced this hat? I went to the Stetson site but it doesn't look like they give out much information on vintage pieces.

Lastly, if anyone has a Ray Bell Stetson for sale, I am VERY interested. Thank you so much.

 

[Bamaboots]

Hello Fedora Loungers,

I am new to this forum. I stumbled across FL in an internet search I was doing about my grandfather, Ray Bell. I was super surprised to learn that Stetson made a hat for him and even more surprised that there were multiple posts here about him and the Ray Bell Stetson. Some folks have asked for more information about him. I can provide that now.

My grandfather was one of six boys who came from an Irish ranching family in Wyoming, although some of the boys, including my grandfather, were born in Iowa. Ray was the second youngest and like many families in Cheyenne during that time, there wasn't really a clear path for the younger children as the eldest boys typically inherited the ranches, meat markets, and other better defined roles within the cattle business.

Ray was an outstanding athlete and a gifted rider. As some have discovered, he was a World Champion Steer Roper in Madison Square Garden in 1923 and won multiple steer roping and bronc riding events including The Pendelton Roundup. Ray is in The Cowboy Hall of Fame. In 1917 Will Rogers was traveling through Wyoming with his wild west show and saw my grandfather ride. At the age of 17, Will swooped Ray up and drove him to Los Angeles in his convertible where he began a career as a stunt rider in early Hollywood westerns. There are some passages of Ben Yagoda's book about Rogers that include stories about Ray and Will. They were great friends. Ray's story is rich and winding from here. Ray permanently settled in Los Angeles in the late 1930's with my grandmother, Florence. They raised three children, had ten grandchildren, and many great grandchildren. Ray died at the age of 96. I was 26 at the time and was lucky enough to grow up around him and all of his many fantastic stories.

I would REALLY like to understand more about this Stetson hat? Did Stetson regularly make hats of former rodeo stars? Does anyone know what year this hat was made? My grandfather worked for Louis B. Mayer for several years so I am wondering if that has something to do with how Stetson produced this hat? I went to the Stetson site but it doesn't look like they give out much information on vintage pieces.

Lastly, is anyone has a Ray Bell Stetson for sale, I am VERY interested. Thank you so much.

Thank you for posting!

Over the years there have been several mentions of the Ray Bell hat from members who have made purchases, some recent and some old.

I've provided you with a couple of links and further information concerning Ray Bell posts can be found by googling Ray Bell hats the fedora lounge. Good luck in your search and thanks again for the story,
30s Stetson Sport-Lite "The Ray Bell" | The Fedora Lounge
Pre 1940s Stetson Westerns | Page 57 | The Fedora Lounge

 

[Strawberry Roan]

Thank You, Bamaboots! I did write directly to @rusticstuff when I thought that was the only post in FL about the hat. But Rustic Stuff hasn't been in here a while and I have not heard back. Hopefully @MikeinRome might see this post and have more information.

Thanks again, SR

 

[MikeinRome]

Stetson Ray Bell model.