The Tale of Double R Western™: A Legacy of Resilience, Heritage, and Respect

The Tale of Double R Western™: A Legacy of Resilience, Heritage, and Respect

Let me tell you a story. It’s not just my story—it’s the story of my family, the land we’ve called home for generations, and the people who have shaped the legacy of the American West. It’s a story of grit, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of those who came before us. It’s the foundation of Double R Western™, a brand born out of the lessons of the past and a commitment to building a future rooted in respect and renewal.

A Family Legacy: Pioneering the West

On my father’s side, our family’s history is intertwined with the rugged landscapes of Idaho and Utah, where both courage and hardship were daily companions. My great-great-grandfather met the legendary Chief Washakie of the Eastern Shoshone on the trail, guided by Frank Meyers, a trusted guide of the time. Chief Washakie was a man of wisdom and vision, a leader who fought for his people while navigating the impossible challenges of a changing world. That meeting wasn’t just a moment in time—it was a testament to the interconnectedness of the West, where Native American tribes and settlers crossed paths in ways that were both profound and, at times, deeply painful.

On my father’s mother’s side, the story deepens further. Both sides of my father’s family had connections to Chief Washakie—a fact that continues to amaze me. It’s a legacy that carries weight, reminding me of the responsibility we have to honor the land, the people, and the stories that came before us.

But the journey west wasn’t just about meeting legends. It was about survival. My ancestors set out to carve a life from the unforgiving terrain of the West, battling harsh winters, scarce resources, and the ever-present uncertainty of what tomorrow might bring. They settled in places like Little Milk Creek, Idaho, and Henefer, Utah. While Henefer’s community was shaped by LDS influence, my family’s Lutheran roots remained steadfast. The connection to Henefer came later in history, when my grandfather and his brother married women from the area. This was a blending of lives, but not beliefs. Our family’s story is rooted in independence, resilience, and the values of the land, not the influence of any particular religion.

Homesteading: The Grit and Glory

Homesteading wasn’t for the faint of heart. It meant building a home with your bare hands, planting crops in soil that didn’t always cooperate, and raising livestock while keeping a wary eye on the horizon for storms, predators, or worse. My family’s homestead in Idaho stood as a beacon of resilience, even when the odds were stacked against them. Today, all that remains is our family cemetery—a quiet reminder of the lives lived and the sacrifices made.

When I think about those days, I picture my ancestors wading through icy streams to fish for brook trout, gathering around a fire for a fish fry at the end of a long day. But the story doesn’t end at the water’s edge. My great-great-grandfather, Franz Frederick, took on the monumental task of digging a spillway ditch and irrigation system by hand, using wooden shovels he crafted himself. With sheer determination, he diverted water from Packsaddle Lake down to the property below, ensuring the land could sustain crops and livestock. To put his effort into perspective, Packsaddle Lake sits miles away from the homestead, making this feat not only grueling but a testament to his ingenuity and sheer willpower.

These were not the actions of someone merely surviving—they were the actions of someone building a legacy. I picture Franz pausing to wipe the sweat from his brow, his wooden shovel in hand, knowing that each drop of water flowing through that ditch was a lifeline for his family. It’s a story of grit, of relentless effort, and of hope for a better future.

Shaping the Land: My Trail Crew Days

The spirit of hard work and resilience didn’t stop with my ancestors—it carried forward into my own life. As a teenager, I had the opportunity to work for the US Forest Service on a trail crew with three friends in the Wood River area above Sun Valley, Idaho. Together, we carved a trail wide enough for horses into the side of a steep mountain. Armed with tools like Pulaskis and heavy bars, we broke through the earth and shaped the trail, step by grueling step. At times, we rolled boulders the size of small cars down the mountainside, watching them tumble and snap trees like toothpicks. If a boulder or tree was too large to move, we’d mark it for dynamite, leaving it for another team member to handle.

The work was exhausting, but it taught me the value of teamwork, persistence, and respect for the land. Each swing of the Pulaski and each shove of a boulder reminded me of the grit it takes to shape something lasting. That trail wasn’t just a path through the wilderness—it was a testament to the determination of those who built it, much like the legacy of my ancestors who shaped the land they called home.

The Struggles of Native Lands and Lives

But this story isn’t just about settlers. It’s about the land we share and the people who were here long before my family arrived. The Native American tribes of the West, like the Eastern Shoshone, have faced struggles that most of us can’t begin to comprehend. Their lands were taken, their animals hunted to near extinction, and their way of life disrespected in ways that still echo today.

The bison, a keystone species and a symbol of the West, was nearly wiped out—not just as a food source but as a deliberate attempt to starve Native communities into submission. The land, once teeming with life, was parceled out, fenced off, and exploited. And yet, the resilience of Native peoples endures. Their stories, their traditions, and their connection to the land are a source of inspiration and a call to action.

The Birth of Double R Western™

Double R Western™ was born out of this legacy—out of a desire to honor the past while building a future rooted in respect, authenticity, and renewal. Our mission is simple but profound: to preserve the values of the West while supporting Native American communities through our Renew and Restore initiative. With every purchase, we contribute to causes that uplift Native voices, protect cultural heritage, and conserve the land we all call home.

Our designs are more than just clothing or home goods—they’re stories. They’re inspired by the folklore, cowboy ethics, and personal history that define the West. From the Snow Snake design, which draws on tales from my family’s homesteading days, to the upcoming Native Made Collection, featuring the work of Native artisans, every piece is a tribute to resilience and creativity.

Cowboy Ethics: A Code to Live By

At the heart of Double R Western™ are the Cowboy Ethics—principles that guided my ancestors and continue to guide me today:

• Live each day with courage.
• Take pride in your work.
• Always finish what you start.
• Do what has to be done.
• Be tough, but fair.
• When you make a promise, keep it.
• Talk less, say more.
• Remember some things aren’t for sale.
• Know where to draw the line.
• Ride for the brand.

These aren’t just words—they’re a way of life. They’re the backbone of Double R Western™, shaping everything from our products to our partnerships.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

This isn’t just a brand—it’s a promise. A promise to honor the stories of my ancestors, to respect the land and its first stewards, and to carry forward the values that define the West. It’s a promise to embrace the nitty-gritty, dirty details of history—the struggles, the triumphs, and everything in between—and to use those lessons to create something meaningful.

Double R Western™ is for anyone who believes in resilience, in community, and in the enduring spirit of the West. It’s for those who understand that the past isn’t just something to remember—it’s something to build on.

So, here’s to the Native communities and their people most of all, the pioneers, the homesteaders, the trail crews, and the dreamers. Here’s to the land that shapes us and the stories that define us. And here’s to you—because when you wear Double R Western™, you’re not just wearing a piece of clothing. You’re wearing a piece of history.