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Katherine Rose Watson
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katierosewatson@yahoo.com
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Ludwig and Marglin Leather Shop Remodels After 79 Years
The custom leather manufacturing shop gently steps into the 21st century while honoring its history.
New Braunfels, Texas – July 24, 2017 – Ludwig and Marglin Leather today announces that the beloved leather shop has a new layout. For seventy-nine years, the custom leather manufacturing shop located in historic downtown New Braunfels (197 S. Sequin Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130) has been a staple of the farm and ranch community in Central Texas. Originally called New Braunfels Leather Company, new name Ludwig & Marglin honors the rich history of two founding families of New Braunfels, TX. The new store layout opened the once small retail outlet to the production floor and invites the community to see the fascinating manufacturing process.
“I remember being a young girl in New Braunfels and walking into Ludwig and Marglin to get supplies for my horse,” new owner Terri Cocanougher says. “It was a privilege to be able to go into the back of the shop where the crafters were working to pull from the saddle maker’s hardware. You had to know someone to be allowed in the back. It made you feel special somehow. We want everyone who visits us to feel that special.”
The store has had a recent facelift to open up the space and make it friendlier for the New Braunfels foot traffic. So open in fact that people can actually watch the crafters while they shop, the smell of the leather permeating the whole stop as the artisans design, draw, cut, tool and sew on the leather making equipment. Some of the equipment has been in the shop since it’s opening in 1938. Cocanougher is careful to explain that the major goal was to maintain the time-honored tradition of manufacturing top quality leather goods by experienced craftsmen. Most of the crafters have been with the shop for many years; Helen and Al Oppelt have worked for Ludwig and Marglin leather for over 65 years combined! Cocanougher says, “That type of experience you can’t simply hire from the want ads. These two individuals are simply priceless!”
The bulk of the shop features leather bags, briefcases, belts, horse tack, saddle-maker’s supplies, and leather crafting supplies. The front of the store now has German biersteins, Lederhosen & Dirndl T-shirts, Texas-themed gifts, and artwork by local artists. Old photos from the first few years of the shop, including photos of the original tannery that dates back to 1933, hang framed all around. “I fell in love with the people that were working in the shop as much as the history of the shop,” says Cocanougher. “It is important for folks to be able to step back to a time when American-made products were valued and easier to come by. If you haven’t stopped by Ludwig & Marglin in years, we hope you’ll come see the updated store and enjoy our little piece of history.”
Cocanougher’s ranching experience through the years continues to insure the integrity of the products sold in the business where master crafters make quality ranch gear, horse tack, hosters, scabbards, whips and ropes. Cocanougher says, “As a lifelong equestrian, I understand the need for quality equipment firsthand and can help you find or build what you need.”
Cocanougher is also updating an equestrian facility near New Braunfes that she expects to open as a picturesque AirBNB later this year. “Marglin Ranch will provide a wonderful place to unplug from the stresses of the city,” says Cocanougher. The ranch has facilities to comfortably house 15 horses, a large covered riding arena and several miles of riding trails throughout the ranch. Future information will be posted at www.MarglinRanch.com.
Ludwig and Marglin Leather representatives are available for interviews regarding this news. Contact Katherine Rose Watson (katierosewatson@yahoo.com, 972-489-7694) to coordinate.
About Ludwig and Marglin Leather
Ludwig and Marglin Leather Company is a full-service leather repair and custom manufacturing shop with a rich history. For seventy-nine years, Ludwig and Marglin Leather has held steadfast to the producing the highest quality leather goods right in shop (197 S. Sequin Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130). The store is open Monday-Friday from 9:30am until 5:30pm, and on Saturday from 10am to 3pm. Ludwig and Marglin Leather manufactures for several industries including the ranching community, orthopedic braces, athletic equipment and even replicas for museums and period appropriate leather goods for the film industry, most recently the Roots miniseries. For more information, visit ludwigsleather.com or call 830-629-0540.
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