Recently we received an email from the granddaughter of Expedition member Ernest Paul “Husky” Hunt, an enthusiastic filmmaker on the 1933 Rainbow Bridge Monument Valley Expedition. His granddaughter, Carolyn Bredsteen was introduced to us by our great friend and Native American art collector, Philip Garaway. In time Husky became a well known collector and dealer in Native American art and an inspiration to Philip.
Since meeting Carolyn we have enjoyed learning more about Husky’s life, and his love for the Southwest region. Husky was born in Indiana in 1888 and lived to be 90 years old. His nickname “Husky” would suggest he was of large stature, but really it signified his unusual physical vigor. He was a quarterback at the University of Indiana and graduated with a major in Geology. He then spent many years coaching football and physical education at a number of schools including Stanford. His love for Native American arts and culture began early in his career when he contributed as a filmmaker to the RBMVExpedition. Following his experiences with the Expedition Husky spent much of his spare time in Navajo and Hopi country purchasing artwork, promoting public interest, and filming and photographing what he saw and people he met. He was an advocate for preserving Native American ruins and encouraged the Federal Government to promote preservation through the creation of unique national monuments.
In general Husky was a lover of nature and spent much time on the Colorado River, in Tahoe and the Sierras. He later opened a store in Tahoe where he sold Native American arts and crafts, and Navajo rugs.
We are so grateful to Carolyn for shedding more light on this Expedition filmmaker and the incredible life he led.
