Were picking up right where we left off with my "Texas Hands" series, and meeting some outstanding outstanding folks along the way!
We are starting 2018 on the right foot, literally.
I present to you a story of a family deeply rooted in this fertile and precious Texas soil. A hardworking family that has met every challenge thrown at them, with solid footing! (pun intended)
I present to you a story of a family deeply rooted in this fertile and precious Texas soil. A hardworking family that has met every challenge thrown at them, with solid footing! (pun intended)
I made a special trip to Odessa, TX to meet second generation Boot Maker, Efrain Ramirez. I made my way into his shop and introduced myself.
He greeted me with a smile and took a break from his work bench. We visited for several minutes and I explained to him that I was working on a project titled "Texas Hands", and respectfully asked him if he would share his story.
Turns out, he is as passionate about history as I am. So we quickly connected and I knew immediately that I was in for an amazing story.
He greeted me with a smile and took a break from his work bench. We visited for several minutes and I explained to him that I was working on a project titled "Texas Hands", and respectfully asked him if he would share his story.
Turns out, he is as passionate about history as I am. So we quickly connected and I knew immediately that I was in for an amazing story.
He spoke passionately about his father, Jose Ramirez, who was the son of a Mexican Police Officer. He went on to tell me that his father was a very industrious individual. In 1918, Jose had caught wind of the Texas Cowboy's to the North and their love affair with the Cowboy Boot.
Having worked as a cobbler in Saltillo Coahuila Mexico, Jose told his father that he would be moving to Texas to pursue a career as a boot maker to which his father replied, "You know nothing about boots!" Jose replied, "Exactly!"
He packed up and moved to San Antonio where he would learn the trade. He worked in the field with several boot makers, most notably, Luchesse Boot Company. It was there that he began to master his craft. After 10 years of experience, he was ready to go on his own opening his first shop in Ozona.
Having worked as a cobbler in Saltillo Coahuila Mexico, Jose told his father that he would be moving to Texas to pursue a career as a boot maker to which his father replied, "You know nothing about boots!" Jose replied, "Exactly!"
He packed up and moved to San Antonio where he would learn the trade. He worked in the field with several boot makers, most notably, Luchesse Boot Company. It was there that he began to master his craft. After 10 years of experience, he was ready to go on his own opening his first shop in Ozona.
In 1947, the oil rich Permian Basin was booming and folks were moving West by the thousands. Seeing an opportunity, he moved the family to Odessa and opened up shop that very same year. They were in high demand, and his son's, Efrain and Zeke, would soon join their father in the family business. They quickly made a name for themselves. They had a reputation for always putting the clients needs first and treating every person, regardless of skin color, with dignity and 1st class customer service.
Every custom boot was made to order. They created a ledger system that survives today containing names, addresses, foot measurements, leather choices, due dates and special notes.
Every custom boot was made to order. They created a ledger system that survives today containing names, addresses, foot measurements, leather choices, due dates and special notes.
After several successful decades, tanneries in the US began to shut down and the cost of leather went up. Folks turned to national retailers for low cost mass produced boots, but their story doesn't end there. Although Ramirez and Sons was no longer manufacturing custom boots, they adapted by shifting their focus onto repair and restoration services. They have a loyal customer base and are highly sought after for their expert work but not only in footwear. You see, Efrain has been carefully restoring leather bound family bibles for folks both near and far. His attention to detail and pride in craftsmanship has sustained the family business. Today, he and his son, Gene, who is a 3rd generation cobbler, work side by side doing all types of leather repair.
As we wrapped up our visit, I thanked him for taking time out of his busy day to visit with me and he was very gracious. As I drove away, I felt a surge of Texas pride run through my veins and I stopped on the side of the road to watch the setting West Texas Sun. Standing there, I thought to myself, not all heroes wear capes, some heroes fix accordions and others repair shoes.
So, the next time you find yourself in Odessa, do yourself a favor and stop by 804 North Hancock Ave., where the Family business remains today and say hello to Efrain Ramirez, the man with these "Texas Hands".
