Justin, Enid 1969-06-24

Miss Enid Justin, president of the Nocona Boot Company, discuses her father, H. J. Justin, and the founding, growth and operations of the Justin and Nocona boot factories.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Miss Enid Justin

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: June 24, 1969

Location: Nocona, Texas

Interviewer: Charles Townsend

Length: 2 hours, 10 minutes (total)

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Father, H. J. Justin, Moved to Texas from Indiana, Beginning of boot business in Spanish Fort, Texas, Married Anna Allen, Self-measuring system developed, Father’s character, Brothers and sisters, Family moves to Nocona, Growth of business, Brothers and sisters (again), Justin Boot Company, Changes in boot making, Wholesale business, Justin family’s home life, Anecdotes about boots, Enid Justin’s work in the business, Boot-making machines, Justin Boot Company moved to Fort Worth (1925), Enid Justin stayed in Nocona, Business was family owned, Former employees started other boot companies, G. C. Bleacher Boot Company, Carl Olson—learned boot business.

Tape 1, Side 2: Blank

Tape 2, Side 1: Founding of Nocona Boot Company (1925) Husband, Julius Stellzer (?) Olsen-Stellzer Boot Company First salesman, Enid Justin Incorporation of company (1926) Boot company in 1930 Quality emphasized Depression had little effect World War II—government regulations for boots Growth of cowboy boot business (1930s) Employees—local people trained Publicity Hollywood films Only woman cowboy boot maker Publicity stunt—pony express to California Fair World War II—labor and materials hard to get New building and additions.

Tape 2, Side 2: Blank

Tape 3, Side 1: Increase in employment Lace boots for oil field workers made Cowboy shoes made Spur factory Employment Unionized one year Employee benefits and salaries Different departments and operations in boot making Use of computer Company stock and capital Family members employed Designing boots Anecdote about design Long-time employees and employee benefits Boots made for famous people Anecdotes about Nocona boots Future of boot business Demands for boots.

Tape 3, Side 2: Blank

Range Dates: ?-1969

Bulk Dates: 1925-1969

Access Information

Original Recording Format:

Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:

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