Oakdale Cowboy Museum - Tools Of The Trade

[bruce johnson]

I have been involved in our local Oakdale Cowboy Museum for several years as a board member and president. After going off the board, I have been working on the concept of displays showcasing the leather side of the things. We have some great saddles on display and often times the questions are"what are they made of?, How come they are different?, How come the flowers? Who makes them? How are they made? etc. I have the concept worked out for semi-temporary displays showcasing leather working and saddle making. The first installment features saddle and leather working tools, as well as carving examples by local saddlemakers. There are also three representative examples of the saddle swe have on dispaly. The Sheridan style saddle was made by Chester Hape in 1977. It is a lesson in carving in itself. I learn something everytime I look at it. The russet colored saddle was a 1940-something world champion single steer roping saddle made by Keyston. The dark saddle is a Garcia and was the 1936 world champion cowboy saddle.

The display opens tonight and will be up at least through the end of this year. The tools on display run the gamut from Wm Dodd, Sauerbier and others from the mid 1800s up to tools made new last year. The Oakdale Cowboy Museum website features descriptions of the tools as well as Youtube videos of tools being used. Just a note, yes I am the narrater and handmodel. The tools being described are the display tools, although most of the tools being used in the videos are off my working bench. Here is a link to that page from the museum website - Oakdale Cowboy Museum - Leather Tools in use . I am also attaching pictures that offer an overview of the display. If you are in the area, please feel free to stop and see it live.

[Kevin]

Very, very nice Bruce, Thank You.

Kevin

[steveh]

great display bruce.the hape saddle is outstanding. thanks for posting.

steve

[bison]

I spend a lot of time at the Cowboy Hall of Fame (old name) in Oklahome City, and I wish they had something as nice as your display. You really set up a great teaching display, which should be the goal of any museum. Thanks for sharing this.

Dave

[Art]

Hi Bruce,

Excellent Display, good teaching value also.

I was a little suprised to see mention of Olsen Nolte in Frisco. I have their Campbell Stitcher, refurbished by Campbell-Bosworth. California history is fascinating, they had their own little "Wild West" that was different from the the other regions.

Art

[Kevin]

We had a Nolte-Olsen saddle come through our shop about 25 years ago. It was bought at a local church rummage sale and was old enough to be before Nolte sold out to Olsen. It was beautiful.

Kevin

[casaerwin]

Thanks for posting this, Bruce. I'd sure like to see it in person, but that's not likely to happen.

[Clay]

Great Job Bruce!

I hope to make it there in person some day!

Clay Miller

[oldtimer]

Bruce

Thank´s for posting, a great display!

/ Knut

[TexasJack]

Very nice display!! Thanks for sharing the pictures!

[hidepounder]

Beautifully done, Bruce!! I would really like to see that some time. I agree with Bison, OKC should take notice!!

Bobby

[wood]

Beyond awesome Bruce. I really like the showcase of local leatherworkers/saddlemakers, that was a nice touch. The wall with repair prices is a great piece of history. Great job. RW

[Spencer Saddle Shop]

1343253600[/url]' post='257915']

I have been involved in our local Oakdale Cowboy Museum for several years as a board member and president. After going off the board, I have been working on the concept of displays showcasing the leather side of the things. We have some great saddles on display and often times the questions are"what are they made of?, How come they are different?, How come the flowers? Who makes them? How are they made? etc. I have the concept worked out for semi-temporary displays showcasing leather working and saddle making. The first installment features saddle and leather working tools, as well as carving examples by local saddlemakers. There are also three representative examples of the saddle swe have on dispaly. The Sheridan style saddle was made by Chester Hape in 1977. It is a lesson in carving in itself. I learn something everytime I look at it. The russet colored saddle was a 1940-something world champion single steer roping saddle made by Keyston. The dark saddle is a Garcia and was the 1936 world champion cowboy saddle.

The display opens tonight and will be up at least through the end of this year. The tools on display run the gamut from Wm Dodd, Sauerbier and others from the mid 1800s up to tools made new last year. The Oakdale Cowboy Museum website features descriptions of the tools as well as Youtube videos of tools being used. Just a note, yes I am the narrater and handmodel. The tools being described are the display tools, although most of the tools being used in the videos are off my working bench. Here is a link to that page from the museum website - Oakdale Cowboy Museum - Leather Tools in use . I am also attaching pictures that offer an overview of the display. If you are in the area, please feel free to stop and see it live.

I enjoyed looking at the display. Thanks for taking the time to put it together.

Edited September 1, 2012 by Spencer Saddle Shop

[Denise]

Bruce,

I finally took the time to look through all the pictures. It looks like a very well done exhibit. It also looks like you won't be building on that tree any time really soon, eh????