Saddle Maker - Harness repair man and shoemaker 1942 - Side by Side

by Mike Savad

Title

Saddle Maker - Harness repair man and shoemaker 1942 - Side by Side

Artist

Mike Savad

Medium

Photograph - Hand Colored Photo

Description

Hand colored photo from 1942
Original title: Harness repair man and shoemaker
Photographer: John Collier
Location: Ephrata, Pennsylvania

In the early 1940s, a harness repairman and shoemaker in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, was a vital figure in his community, ensuring that farmers, laborers, and townspeople had sturdy boots and well-maintained horse tack. His workshop, filled with tools, leather straps, and worn wooden benches, reflected the patience, precision, and dedication required for his trade. At a time when horses and mules still played a crucial role in agriculture, properly maintained harnesses were essential, and his expertise kept them in working order. Beyond harness repair, he also crafted and mended boots, belts, and saddles, providing an invaluable service when wartime rationing made new goods harder to acquire.

The craftsman's skill was evident in every stitch, reinforcing leather that endured constant wear, whether under a farmer's feet or the strain of a horse pulling a plow. His shop would have been stocked with awls for punching holes, heavy-duty waxed thread for stitching, wooden lasts for reshaping shoes, and specialized sewing machines for reinforcing straps. Though the rise of automobiles and factory-made shoes was changing the landscape of rural craftsmanship, trades like his persisted, especially in communities that valued self-sufficiency.

Ephrata, located in Lancaster County, has a rich history rooted in early American settlement and industry. During the 18th and 19th centuries, it was known for its communal societies and skilled artisans, particularly in leatherwork and harness making. The harness repairman's trade was a continuation of this tradition, reflecting a profession that had long been essential to transportation and agriculture. His work not only provided a necessary service but also preserved the legacy of traditional trades in small-town America.

Even as industrialization made handmade leatherwork less common, craftsmen like him embodied a way of life that was already beginning to fade. His dedication and skill serve as a historical document, offering a glimpse into a trade that sustained generations and remained an integral part of Ephrata's heritage.

Color notes:
I removed some clutter on the lower right, it only served as a distraction, reduced the head on flash fill shadows, I kept the photographer's lighting because there would be no point removing it.

Uploaded

March 9th, 2025

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