Enid Justin - Nocona Boot Company Collection, 1929-1982Add to your cart.

By Mary Atkins

Collection Overview

Title: Enid Justin - Nocona Boot Company Collection, 1929-1982Add to your cart.
ID: 01/ BA.15
Extent: 16.0 Boxes

Abstract

Enid Justin, one of seven children of leather craftsman and bootmaker H.J. (Joe) Justin, founded the Nocona Boot Company in 1925 in Nocona, TX when her brothers moved their father's company (H.J. Justin & Sons) to Fort Worth. She believed her father would have wanted the business to remain in Nocona. The company was initially a copartnership with her husband, Julius L. Steltzer (later company president), Jess B. Thompson, and E.D. Keller.

The company incorporated in 1926 and issued stock. Successful in part due to the oil boom and demand for quality, high laced workboots, Nocona weathered the Depression and prejudice towards a "lady bootmaker."  Enid became the company's president in 1934 and began marketing the boots outside of Texas in 1936. The company acquired automated machinery and enjoyed continued success despite leather shortages during World War II. Additional plants were added in the immediate region to keep up with demand and the Nocona Boot Company Western Store was opened in 1949. Though sales slumped in the 1950's, the 1960's and 1970's saw increases in sales and the company thrived as part of the "glamorization" of bootmaking. Innovative marketing and advertising techniques and the introduction of numerous made to order styles increased the company's success.

"Miss Enid" (as she was affectionately called) was a pioneering spirit in business and bootmaking. She served in many capacities in the company, including founder and President, and was an integral part of the Nocona community.

In 1981 the Nocona Boot Company was acquired by Justin Industries and is now one of its eight subsidiaries.

Source:

Richard L. Himmel, "NOCONA BOOT COMPANY," Handbook of Texas Online (http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/dln01), accessed March 28, 2014. Uploaded on June 15, 2010. Published by the Texas State Historical Association.

Scope and Contents of the Materials

Consists of sixteen boxes containing the papers of Enid Justin and the Nocona Boot Company, 1929 - 1982, including advertisements, awards, audit reports, a catalog, ceiling prices on inventory, clippings, contracts, correspondence, diagrams, invitations, ledgers, newsletters, personal notes, programs, pamphlets, and many photographs.

Access Information

Access Restrictions:

This collection is not restricted.

Use Restrictions:

Reproduction and publication of materials in this collection are subject to the policies of the UNT Archives and Rare Books department. Copyright restrictions apply.

Physical Access Note:

Collection is housed in the UNT Archives and Rare Book department vault. The UNT Archives and Rare Book department request a 24 hour notice from patrons in order to page materials from vault and ready the materials for use. Please contact the UNT Archives and Rare Book department for further information.

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