Deck the Halls!
Holiday traditions amongst early American cowboys were pretty well established by the mid 1800's. Although Christmas was celebrated with humble fare, the traditions of caroling, gift-giving and community were integral to the holiday celebration. It is recorded that soldiers would carol at their remote outposts while roasting venison over open fires. Many families would feast on preserved fruits, plum pudding, baked beans seasoned with salt pork and molasses and of course fresh breads.
Gifts were generally hand-made; corn husk dolls, carved wooden toys, embroidered linens, just to list a few. Decorations around the house consisted of hand-strung berries, pinecones, paper and popcorn. The Christmas tree was an added luxury for those who had homes large enough to accommodate them and whose wooded areas had trees to spare for something as lavish as mere 'decoration'. Cookie dough ornaments may have donned these branches and also served as late night snacks for excited little ones.
Buffalo Trader Online offers everything necessary to have your very own Cowboy Christmas. Find decorating ideas from tree toppers to garlands. Be the talk of the town with our gorgeous Pine Cone Wreath Candle Holder as your dining room table centerpiece! The Holiday Christmas Lights Berry Garland would do any mantel justice, or use it over a doorway to enhance a party mood. Buffalo Trader Online has a tremendous candle selection as well! Keep several of these handy as gifts for your neighbors, teachers, or leave one on your front porch for your favorite mailman. It'll surely brighten up his day!
Buckled up!
Belt buckles can be traced as far back as the 2nd Century BC in Asia. Buckles were created of solid gold and were worn over long tunics, indicating status among the nomadic Chinese. Early American Cowboys however, didn't usually wear belts that required a buckle. In fact, the original cowboy mostly wore suspenders. Credit is given to 16th Century Italian blacksmith, Tomaso Kellioni for inventing a buckle used to secure belts, boots and shoes. And thanks to Hollywood, the Western belt buckle, as we know it today became popular in the early 1920's with the release of the ever so famous 'Cowboy movies.'
Belt buckles were worn to denote a person's profession or status, such as fireman, police or even military rank or specialty. Rodeo Cowboys are known to have the most dramatic and ornate buckles. But today, buckles have an integral place in fashion. Everyone from the former President of the United States to professional golfers are donning brilliant buckles.
Have some fun with your wardrobe! Any of our western themed belt buckles will add unexpected flare to any outfit. All reasonably priced, they make fun stocking stuffers, too!
A place to hang your hat...
Several theories exist regarding how the name "Ten-Gallon Hat" came into existence. Most commonly known is the belief that the hat was large enough to hold 10 gallons of water (it has been proven since then that the hat can actually only hold about 3 quarts). Although the exact beginning of this term cannot be traced, it is more likely that the term came from the vaqueros of Mexico with whom American cowboys rode during early cattle ranching days.
It is theorized that the mispronunciation of the Spanish word 'galon' is how this all came to fruition. Galloon was a woven strand of metallic thread used to decorate the traditional Mexican sombrero. The amount of galloon or 'galon' on a sombrero indicated the quality of the hat. So, loosely translated in early American terms, a 'ten-gallon hat' was a hat of very high quality.
Several other hats were available for the working cowboy. In the mid-1860's, Mr. John B. Stetson of Philadelphia designed a wide-brimmed hat after a brief respite in Colorado. His first hat manufactured was known as "The Boss of the Plains". The Boss had a 4-inch wide brim and a 5-inch tall crown. From there the cowboy hat was modified based on demands of rodeo and working cowboys alike.
Buffalo Trader's own Denny Karchner, brilliantly captures the cowboy essence which cannot be completed without the proper hat. He's done so in his pieces, Alan Baker as Buffalo Bill, and Charles Bolin - Quickdraw Artist. These pieces exemplify how the proper hat 'tops off' a cowboy's image!
This ain't my first rodeo...
When we think of cowboys, visions of men wearing 10 gallon hats, blue jeans and boots come to mind. Maybe these men are herding their cattle while riding their trusty steed or perhaps they're in the horse ring breaking a young stallion. One event that epitomizes skills of a true cowboy is that of the present day rodeo.
These competitions were originally known as 'cowboy tournaments' and can be traced back as far as the 1700's when the West was of Spanish rule. Spanish cattlemen, known as 'vaqueros', greatly influenced the American cowboy's language, equipment, traditions and clothing. Stemming from the Spanish verb 'rodear', rodeos were often an informal competition amongst ranchers after a successful cattle drive. These rodeos allowed the various outfits bragging rights to which group had the best riders, ropers and all-around best drovers. Participants discovered they could earn additional income by charging an entry fee when traveling through small towns. Eventually, rodeos became the very popular spectator sport that it is today.
Artist Denny Karchner, brilliantly captures true cowboy aura as depicted in his pieces Western Contemplation - Dustin Roush, The Bronze Cowboy, and Last of the Real Cowboys. Buffalo Trader Online offers these must-haves at varying sizes and price points sure to fit any space and budget.
Ride'em cowboy!
Four Dead in Five Seconds
Who doesn't love a good Old West movie? And what's a cowboy story without a proper gun fight? When we think of the American 1800's we envision men on horseback wearing bandanas and racing alongside a train with intentions of robbery at gunpoint. We think of saloons where inebriated bravado ended in gun fire. The reality, however, is that more times than not, Old West guns were used for hunting. Only a few very notorious gunfights created our current understanding of life in the American Old West. One of the most notable was an incident that occurred on April 11, 1881.
Located in El Paso, Mr. Dallas Stoudemire was the sixth man in eight months to hold office as city marshal. Dallas was known as being quite the gunman on both sides of the justice system and his time in El Paso would only add to his motley reputation. Just three days after taking office, Stoudemire would be involved in one of El Paso's most notorious gunfights.
On that fateful day, approximately 75 Mexican men rode into El Paso, looking for two young vaqueros who had been killed trying to reclaim their stolen cattle. Constable Gus Krempkau held an inquest where the Camino Real stands today, and the Mexicans were allowed to take the vaqueros' bodies back to their country much to the dismay of George Campbell, former city marshal. Words were exchanged between Campbell and Krempkau as a crowd gathered. John Hale, friend of Campbell was alongside his friend. As tensions flared, Hale grabbed Campbell's gun and fired the first shot killing Krempkau. Stoudemire, who was eating lunch at a nearby saloon, pulled both his guns and ran firing toward the scene. One of his shots hit an innocent Mexican bystander. The next two shots hit Hale and then Campbell, thus ended the "Four dead in five seconds" gunfight of El Paso.
Collectors and storytellers alike are sure to appreciate Denny Karchner's pencil rendition of these historical firearms in his piece called The Three Ubertis. An Italian gun manufacturer, Uberti is internationally known for their fine Western vintage firearms. Buffalo Trader Online has made it possible for you to own an artistic piece of 'smoking barrel' history!
The legend lives!
Dear ole Dad…
Did he teach you how to ride your first bike or throw your first football? My dad did both of those as well as other key firsts that are clearly a necessary rite in any little girl's childhood such as honing my bowling, putting and ice fishing skills. Aside from the ice fishing, I'm not complaining. But what I'm most appreciative for is my father's glorious relationship with food, which was handed down to him from my grandfather. Family recipes galore sit neatly alphabetized in a tin box with titles such as "Grandpa's potatoes", or "Dad's baked beans". But those comforting favorites don't hold a candle to what can happen on the grill. I don't mean any grill; I mean an authentic, Weber grill situated in the back yard on its very own deck elevation; its throne, if you will. Along with gray-white charcoals heated to perfection, you may find mesquite grilling planks for a particular masterpiece... or maybe not. It just depends on dad's mood.
As important as grill preparation is, the true culinary divinity lies within the seasoning of the meat. Homemade marinades and rubs fit for hand selected savory steaks, piquant pork and tantalizing turkey, are created with the intense forethought and consideration. Clearly, not everyone enjoys this aspect of the grilling process. Luckily, Buffalo Trader Online offers an incredible selection of grilling and roasting aids removing any guesswork. The classic favorite Buffalo Branded Original Dry Rub Seasoning works its magic on anything from bison and chicken to venison and shrimp. Or if perhaps your griller prefers more variety, the Wild West Spices Whip n' Dip Gift Pack is sure to satisfy! Be sure to throw in a Wild West Spices Chargin' Cheddar Bacon Dip Mix Jar or a Wild West Spices Stampede Salsa Mix Jar. You'll want something to snack on while dad's grilling! (Tortilla chips and ice cold beer not included...)
Light at the End of the Tunnel
Lighting is often an overlooked aspect of interior spaces. There are several categories of lighting, but the most desirable interior space will have representation from the following; natural, ambient, accent, task and decorative lighting. The manner in which these lighting levels co-exist creates ambiance in a room.
It is documented that the first lamp was around 70,000 B.C. and consisted of a primitive device such as a hollow rock filled with animal fat-soaked moss. Other documented lighting fuels were olive oil, beeswax, whale oil and nut oils. When ignited, this was a far superior lighting mechanism than that of a burning stick or pile of twigs and allowed for a more controlled burn. Wicks were later added as humans began imitating natural shapes with pottery, specifically the terra cotta lamps of the Greeks around 7th century B.C. In fact the word lamp is derived from the Greek word 'lampas' meaning 'torch.'
It wasn't until the late 1700's – early 1800's did the commercial use of gas and coal materialize. Two men to mention are the German inventor, Freidrich Winzer who first patented coal gas lighting in 1804 and American, David Melville who received the first U.S. gas light patent in 1810.
Fast forward to the 21st century and be excited that Buffalo Traders Online has done all the hard work for you! Creating ambient lighting in your favorite room is now at your fingertips! Some of our favorites are the Covered Wagon Table Lamp, and the Vintage Crystal Lake Canteen Lamp with Shade. Perhaps place these pieces of art in unexpected venues such as on your kitchen counter for some decorative lighting or on the desk in your home office for a brilliant task light! Not only do they make for a great conversation piece but are functional for years to come.
