Typed as spelled and written
- Lena Stone Criswell

THE DAILY DEMOCRAT
Thirty First Year - Number 14
Marlin, Texas, Monday, May 18, 1931

Around About Marlin

       Retires After Fifty Years

       When S. J. Barton retired from business a few days ago it marked the end of a business which began when the modes of travel were entirely different from what they are today.  During the almost fifty years
he was in business, Mr. Barton witnessed changes which only those of the modern age could witness, for never in the history of the world have so many taken place.

       The chief means of transportation fifty years ago was horse-back riding.  Carriages, wagons or stage coaches were used by groups but the individual's means of travel was horse-back riding.  Buggies had not come into general use.  Practically every family owned one or more horses, but not all of them owned saddles.

       Barton Brothers, T. K. and S. J. Barton began the manufacture and sale of saddles in 1882 when practically eveyone was a prospect for a saddle even the women, who rode "side-ways."

       Saddles were manufactured in Marlin and sold extensively all over this section of the state.  Large gatherings often stimulated sales.  Mr. Barton recalls that when public hangings were held in the early days, he sold an extra number of saddles.  One on such occasion he sold thirteen.  When horse racing and county fairs were popular his business came in for increased activity.

       While the sewing machine had been invented some years before Mr. Barton went in business, few were in use over the country.  The first saddles were made almost entirely by hand.  Machines, of course, were added in the years following.

       Already changes were taking place.  It was the beginning of the machine age.  New appliances were invented, machinery was perfected, and the people experienced a revolution in lviing conditions, in travel, life, entertainment, and social affairs--a revolution which is still going on.

       Manufacturers were able to make comfortable and--attractive buggies and sell them at prices within reach of the people.  Barton Brothers found the sale of saddles decreasing and that of harness increasing.  They manufactured harness as well as saddles.  To round out their business they sold buggies, also.

       For a time fine buggies, harness and an excellent team of horses were considered necessary for the family.  But another means of transportation made its appearance--the automobile.  Automobiles were accepted by the people quickly.  Within seven years following 1910 when they were first offered for sale at prices within reach of most people, they were generally accepted as the correct means of transportation.

       Sale of buggies and harness de-decreased (sic), and Barton added the manufacture of automobile tops to the business.  This was profitable for a while, as the first automobiles were open cars and new tops were needed frequently.  Soon, however, the automobile itself changed and closed cars came into general use.  The manufacture of tops practically ended.
     
       Several years ago, T. K. Barton retired from the business.  The business was continued by Sam Barton.  He installed complete modern shoe repairing equipment and has engaged in this business for several years.

       In retiring after almost fifty years in Marlin, Mr. Barton said Friday, "If there is anyone here who has been in business here any longer than I have, I cannot recall who it is."

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Permission granted to Theresa Carhart and her volunteers for printing by
The Democrat, Marlin, Falls Co., Texas.