Finding old photos taken by Fort Worth street photographers capturing everyday life experiences downtown are fascinating. A photographer would grab a candid shot of you, give you a ticket that you could later take to their shop to buy your picture. These street photos give a great glimpse of the way things were, from the way folks dressed, the family or friends they traveled with to shop, or the great storefronts of the time. However, it can leave one wondering about stores gone by that are captured in the background. We posted this shot a few years ago but it only recently did our friend Mary give us details on her memories of the Nobby Harness shop at the 300 block of Main St. and it’s worthy of a share.
“I remember Nobby Harness Company in downtown Fort Worth. I loved and rode horses in the 50s and 60s. My Papa would take me to Nobby Harness to buy a bridle or to repair a saddle. The wonderful smell of leather permeated the place. I remember an old cast iron stove for warmth in the winter. There was also a taxidermy display of a two-headed calf. Going to Nobby Harness shop is a fond memory for me.”
Wow! How well do you think a saddle shop would do downtown today? Before you answer, I happen to know Fort Worth holds the largest all-horse parade downtown yearly, going on 130 years now, as they welcome the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo to town. The streets fill with over 2,000 horses!
Hmm? I get it now! Giddy up!