Coat, Fur
Object
2002.3.6
Man's brown fur coat with shawl collar of fisher, muskrat or beaver. Coat appears to be young bison or Merino sheep. Lining apparently has been replaced with quilted brown cotton. Buttons are toggle type and are decorated with cross-hatching, cord loops are method of closing coat.
People who braved the winter journey had to be well dressed because the sleighs - like the stages- were uncovered. They wore fur hats with nose and ear protectors as well as insulated footwear such as felt shoes or moccasins. On the floor the company provided metal box which burned coal or was stuff with heated bricks to keep warm. It also provided buffalo robes for added warmth