Cover Page

Preface

Introduction

In Search of an Identity

Photofile

Bibliography

Notes

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C

National Park Service Uniforms In Search of an Identity 1872-1920	Number 2
In Search of an Identity (continued)

The first truly authorized park ranger uniform finally arrived at a national park in late June 1911. Of the 15 coats that the Glacier rangers received, six had Forest Service buttons, which were subsequently changed. [35] There is a photograph in an album assembled in 1915 by a Mr. Anderson showing two men at Glacier with one of them wearing this uniform, but it was probably taken in the summer of 1911 when the new uniforms arrived. The coat is of the Norfolk style, sans belt, which is not very flattering to the wearer. The rest of the uniform—breeches, hat, puttees, etc.—is standard fare for the period. The other man is wearing a 1910 Army uniform, although he was probably not a soldier because his coat lacks ornamentation. Possibly he was included in the photograph to show that the new park ranger uniform did not conflict with the military.

First authorized National Park Service uniform, Glacier National Park, c.1911. Man on right is wearing the new uniform authorized by the Department for rangers in the national parks. Glacier received 15 sets in June, 1911. Man on left is wearing a Model 1910 US Army uniform, minus military insignia. NPSHPC - 1915 Anderson photo album - GLAC/HPF# 9638

Apparently the rangers at Glacier were still using a separate fatigue uniform, for in October 1911 Parker, Bridget & Company thanked Chief Clerk Ucker for a check from Major Logan for "two blue shirts." [36]

As the 1911 season came to a close, the rangers at Sequoia realized that their new uniforms were not going to be warm enough for the winter months. Fry requested authorization from the department to purchase heavier uniforms, with "bronze Army buttons, bearing design of eagle, same as our badges now worn." If the forestry worsted olive green could not be worn, he wanted cadet gray. Parker, Bridget & Company was contacted and a price of $25 per suit and $30 for an overcoat, either military or Chesterfield, was received, along with uniform and overcoat material samples of dark olive green wool. The uniforms were to be the same pattern as the ones furnished in the summer. [37]

The department considered these prices excessive. Consequently inquires were sent, along with material samples, to C. Kenyon & Company of Brooklyn, New York, and Sigmund Eisner of Red Bank, New Jersey, both manufacturers of uniforms for the U.S. Army. (No material samples remain with the correspondence, but it is supposed from the response of Sigmund Eisner that they were pieces of the sample wool originally sent by Parker, Bridget & Company to the department.) C. Kenyon & Company declined to bid, but Sigmund Eisner did respond requesting the design of the uniform desired. They included samples of their "U.S. Forrestry [sic] Standard" cloth and stated that they could provide bronze Army buttons for the uniforms or could have buttons made of any design wanted and would stock them, subject to orders of the department. [38]

Subsequently, in a meeting with Chief Clerk Ucker at the Interior Department, the subject of olive drab Army wool for the uniforms instead of forestry green was broached. Afterward Eisner sent samples of olive drab cloth and prices of $15 for the overcoat and $16.50 for coat, vest, and breeches. The total came to $31.50, versus $55 from Parker, Bridget & Company. "I think the color of the 16 oz. Kersey is really more practical than the dark green and has extra wearing qualities," Eisner wrote. [39]

The department finally made up its mind concerning what color, if not design, the uniforms the rangers in the parks would wear. After one season of forestry green, it would now be olive drab. One must wonder what the rangers who bought uniforms the year before thought about this. They probably appreciated the style change, though. The Norfolk look certainly did nothing for their image.

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