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The Hamley family history goes back many generations to Cornwall
England, where the trade of saddle and leather craftsmanship had been
passed down through many generations of Hamley's. The American history
of the Hamley's began in 1850 when William Hamley moved his family
from England to Rupon, Wisconsin, where he opened a small leather
goods store. William’s two sons, John James (J.J.) and Henry Hamley
set out from Wisconsin in 1883 with two railroad tickets and $10.00 in
cash, bound for Ashton, South Dakota where they established Hamley and
Co.
After three successful years, regional crop failures and depression
forced them to close and move to Kendrick, Idaho. Henry Hamley passed
away in 1894. Business was good, but a couple of major building fires
left the Hamley's no choice but to relocate. In 1905 J.J. relocated to
Pendleton, Oregon and set up shop on the Oregon Trail in the same
building that exists to this day. Hamley was known as a harness and
saddle maker, but the business soon developed around its saddles and
became known throughout the west as the maker of “the finest saddles
man could ride”.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT HAMLEY HISTORICAL EVENTS
1905—J.J.'
s son Lester joins the firm.
1909—Lester convinces a “skeptical” J.J. to publish the first
“Hamley Cowboy Catalog”. Annual publication and distribution of the
Hamley catalog continued for 60 years and became a trusted source of
quality western products for families across America. Old Hamley
catalogs are highly collectible today.
1910—The first Pendleton Round up. J.J. Hamley was instrumental
in organizing the first Round up and served as a Director for many
years. Over the years Hamley and Co. has provided over 80 Round up
Trophy saddles. Many world champions have ridden Hamley saddles.
1919—Following the 1919 Round-Up, rodeo organizers from around
the region agreed that a standard bronc saddle must be used in all
rodeo competitions. Hamley developed the produced the modified
association saddle as a solution to better anchor the rider to their
horses. This same saddle is used today in rodeo competitions.
1920—Hamley operated its own saddletree shop. Many of the tree
patterns and designs in use today were developed in that shop.
1928—The Hamley Kit was developed. Scrap saddle leather
provided the material for the Hamley kit (shaving kit). The kit was
sold in over 1200 locations across the United States. Hamley and Co.
also produced and sold belts across the nation. Such stores as Macys,
Bloomingdale’s and Sacks Fifth Ave. carried Hamley products.
1939—J.J. passed away at the age of 80.
1952—Major renovation of the Hamley building by Lester and his
son David.
1961—Lester retires and David continues business.
1980—David sells business and building to a Portland
businessman.
2005—After watching Hamley and Co. struggle for years, Parley
Pearce and Blair Woodfield became interested in the failing business.
Both men had grown up on cattle ranches and were intimately familiar
with Hamley cowboy gear. Visiting the Hamley store was considered a
special event. They were both aware of the quality and tradition
represented by the Hamley name. They, along with countless patrons
mourned the demise of the Hamley's. They acquired the building,
business, trademark rights and the Hamley name, all in separate deals,
which finally allowed Hamley and Co. to once again operate as in days
gone by. With pride, they began the resurrection of this great western
icon.
Pearce and Woodfield oversaw the dramatic renovation of the building
that brought to life aspects of Hamley and Co. from 1905, mixed with
the new look of Hamley and Co. in the 1950’s. After six months of
construction, the company reopened in September 2005, one week before
Round up and just in time to celebrate the “first century” of Hamley
and Co. in Pendleton, Oregon.
Hamley and Co. has been known as the maker of the finest “hand made”
saddles money can buy. Quality “hand made” Hamley saddles are made
today in the same location and with many of the same techniques used a
hundred years ago. We produce and sell Hamley Kits and belts. Quality
leather and silver items are made and sold at the Hamley store. All
custom Hamley goods feature the Barrel H—our logo and symbol of
quality. Our goal is to bring the Hamley name back to national
prominence, sell products online and again distribute the Hamley
Cowboy Catalog.
Every Hamley catalog contained the saying that became synonymous with
Hamley quality.
“QUALTITY ARTICLES ARE MADE FOR MEN WHO ARE TIRED OF THE EXTRAVAGANCE
OF BUYING CHEAP THINGS”
Welcome to Hamley and Co! Join us in this exciting adventure. We are
proud to have you “Ride for the Brand”.
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