Everyone needs his claim to fame, and a certain Richard Davy’s claim is being the first in New York City to wear a Fedora hat. Unfortunately, not much else can be found on this particular Richard Davy, no matter how far back you go in history. So, how does one validate a claim like this?

Could he have been a gangster from the streets of New York? In the 1920s, there were so many different gangster gangs that existed all the way up to the 1900s. Some of them had incredible gang names like White Hand gang which had a Richard “Peg Leg” as part of the gang, or the Leslie Gang which also had a certain Bill as a gang member.

On the other hand, Richard Davy could be a wanna-be who never belonged to a gang, but dressed up like one with a gang-type Fedora hat. He would stroll along the dark streets of New York with his Fedora hat, imagining himself a the leader of a much-feared gang. How many young boys have dreams like this - of belonging to a group that was feared and caused bigger men to cower away?

The reality is, while it may be true that he was the first to wear a Fedora hat in New York City, the impact did not seem that vivid to make an impression for his name to be permanently stamped on the pages of Fedora hat history. His contribution may have been significant in the Big Apple, and introduced the Fedora hat to many New Yorkers during his time, so kudos to him for recognizing the inimitable style of the Fedora hat. There will always be that first person who will do something that others will follow, just like the actress who first wore the Fedora hat playing the role of Princess Fedora. Of course, then it was not known as the Fedora hat. It was only after the play that it gained popularity.

Today, the Fedora hat has gained so much attention, mainly from top celebrities who have been seen wearing it.  Through the years since the late 1800s, the Fedora hat has been seen as a here today, gone tomorrow look. It even became a costume more than a closet item. That is, until it started hitting the screen with Madonna and Michael Jackson wearing them; or the big screen with the Indiana Jones movie series. From then, the Fedora hat trend and style never became old fashion news. Instead, it became a classic look that one can wear and look great, day or night.

And so, to Richard Davy, American New Yorker, wherever you may be now is not important. What is important is that you brought a new look to the streets of New York, and made the Fedora hat a byword in your neighborhood. You deserve the recognition, unfortunately, you don’t get it. Not much is still known about you, and until you or your family comes out and posts more information online, your contribution to the fame of the Fedora hat will remain a one-liner.