The George Lawrence Company

At one time the George Lawrence Company was the largest saddle and harness maker on the west coast. This video features an interview with the last surviving family member actively engaged in the leather trade, William "Bill" Lawrence. In 2009 Bill Lawrence bequeathed a collection of family and company memorabilia, equipment and saddles to The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Wasco County Historical Museum, in the Columbia River Gorge. The video was produced for display in conjunction with an exhibit of the collection. The Museum was named as one of True West Magazine's "Top 10 True Western Museum" for 2016.

[@mcdaniellynda]

Excellent presentation, thank you!

[@cthepower]

Very nice. I have just begun exploring leather carving. What a great history. A true blessing.

[@karenhix5931]

We have an old saddle we would like to have restored and just happened to stumble across this video . What a surprise to see a picture of my Great Grandfather John Hix of Dufur on his favorite horse Shechem! It made my day. Thank you!

[@JohnHardham]

Can you identify him for me, using the run time of the video?

[@calliehaynes8218]

I actually just acquired an old George Lawrence saddle…trying to find someone to restore it

[@louishysmith6015]

My great Great Grandfather worked as a saddler smith in 1900 at the George Laurence co. John M. Hysmith

[@JohnHardham]

If you have any photos or documents related to his employment you could contact the Discovery Center in The Dalles, they might be interested in obtaining them. Thank you for watching!

[@roughout]

I have one, belonged to my grandfather or great grandfather. Still in good shape. It should be worth a lot of money.

[@patriotkieler9750]

Loved it. very interesting.

[@juliangonzales2916]

👍👍👍

[@denisemathis6483]

I have an approximately 1950-1960s Lawrence saddle. It has rounded skirts, is tooled and has brass conchos, lower cantle. It is in good+ condition. Could you inform me of its value? Thank you..

[@2JobsStillPoorUSA]

This is cool!

[@denisemathis6483]

Oh, it is also a black saddle..

[@miguelpelentir4424]

miguel