Interview with Will Paradeaux concerning his experiences as owner, Vice President, and manager of Slade's Saddle Shop in Uvalde, Texas. Paradeaux discusses the purchase of the saddle business by his grandfather in 1929, the origins of the saddle shop in 1883, the changes in the ranching industry since the Depression, his father's employment as manager of the shop, reminiscences concerning his grandfather, and the major considerations when "building" saddles. He also talks about the types of saddles, when he took control of the company in 1958, the sales and repair work he did for the movie "The Alamo," the business activity at the Alamo Village, his views on the "urban cowboy" fad and its effects on business, the product emphasis shift from hats and boots to saddle leather goods, and the aptitude of his son in leather work. Paradeaux comments on the business slowdown in downtown Uvalde, the special production orders of leather goods, the seasonal fluctuation of sales, his experiences as a ranch hand at La Pryor and Catarina, the leather goods line and equipment used in production, marketing and advertising, personnel, and his civic activities.
