Big Bend Saddlery
2701 East Hwy 90 Alpine, Tx 79830
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Saturday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
We make only top quality products from the best materials that money can buy.
Free standard shipping on orders over $100
Successful ranching combines cattle, markets, weather, grass, and skilled workers to make a profitable business. Yet ranching is more than a business; it is a way of life. The diary of Watt R. Matthews, one of the heirs to and manager of the famous Matthews's cattle holdings near Albany, Texas, provides behind-the-scenes details of not only the business but also the life and times of one of modern ranching's most successful figures.
The goal for Lambshead Ranch, located about 120 miles west of Fort Worth, Texas, has always been to convert grass into beef cattle at a profit. In Lambshead Legacy: The Ranch Diary of Watt R. Matthews, Janet Neugebauer's carefully researched annotations place Watt and his ranching efforts in the larger context of the industry—from the branding pens and the winner's circle at a stock show to a board meeting of a national breed association and times with fellow rancher Lyndon B Johnson.
The diary, focusing on Watt's life from 1951 to 1980, contains Watt's records of the number and kind of cattle, the work completed on them, the pasture they were moved to, and their sale price. Also Watt recorded the weather at Lambshead, the names of visitors, and the parties, with the names and number of people who attended. At times, Watt referred to the diary to refresh his memory or settle factual disputes.
Frances Mayhugh Holden's introduction focuses on Watt himself—his early years, education at Princeton, family responsibilities, and commitment to preserving the ranch's historic heritage and natural environment. Along with Neugebauer's scene-setting, a picture of a steady life without hurry or stress and filled with the savoring of each piece of ranch work develops.
In keeping with the tradition of Interwoven and Lambshead before Interwoven, two previous books detailing the Matthews family's and the ranch's histories, this addition to the series reveals a man whose love for his work and dedication to his ranch's history built the legacy of today.
Hardback
Order with Confidence from Big Bend Saddlery. We make only top quality products from the best materials that money can buy. We stand behind all our products with a guarantee against defects in materials or workmanship. We want you to be 100% satisfied with any product you buy from Big Bend Saddlery. If not, simply return it to us for a credit, refund or exchange. Items eligible for returns must be received by to our store within 30 days and items must be new, unused and contain original product packaging and accessories. Some items are non-returnable such as CD's, DVD's, Video Tapes, Books, and Customized Items. Shipping charges will not be refunded unless we are at fault in shipping incorrect or damaged merchandise.
We stock or have access to many products not shown on our website, and would be happy to help you find anything that we can. We do custom leatherwork and custom silverwork.
As far as we can tell, our shop was opened in 1905. It was named for this area, the Big Bend Region of Texas, which got its name from the bend or turn made by the Rio Grande River just south of us. We are located in the Davis Mountains with the 800,000-acre Big Bend National Park to the south. We are a small shop located on the east side of Alpine, Texas with employees who feature personalized, friendly service. Let us help you any way we can.
Sign up for our Monthly Email Newsletter
Visit our blog for news and updates from the Big Bend Region
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Saturday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm