Continue reading »]]> We love companies with rich family history. Companies that are founded on the same principles as F.M. Light and Sons. Companies that make their product in the United States. When we find businesses that are as old as us, we’re excited. When we find businesses older that us, we’re ecstatic. One such company is the John R. Craighead Co., Inc. Below is their history, as recounted by the founders great-grandson.

John R. Craighead Co, Inc. Manufacturer and Wholesaler of Leather Goods

J.W. Wilson Saddle Department, Circa 1900

     “The year 1876 was the beginning of our company and the state of Colorado.”

My Grandfather's Patented Belt - One Side is Western, the other Side is Dress

A few years earlier gold was discovered in our mountains and the rush began. “Pikes Peak or Bust” was the slogan on the wagons heading west. My great grandfather heard that saddle makers were in short supply. So he moved his family west and opened a small shop.  He was soon making harnesses, gun belts, holsters and chaps, as well as saddles.

Wilson Craighead - Advertisement from the 1930's

The customers kept coming back because his quality and workmanship was the best.

John Craighead Advertisement from 1964

Jim Craighead - Advertisement from 1966

Four generations later the ranchers and cowboys are still our customers.  But for the last fifty years we have had another customer: the make-believe Cowboy.

1971 Advertising: Still Used on Packaging Today

 Our clothing and toys are made of real leather which means greater strength. As our little cowboy plays, the leather becomes soft and supple.

Katie and Ian Craighead - 1998 Catalog Cover

It’s no surprise that once the child grows up, these outfits become keepsakes to be handed down to their own kids.

Today we strive for the same quality and workmanship as we did in 1876. ~ John J. Craighead – Great-Grandson of the founder.

The J.H. Wilson Saddle Company was founded in 1876 by James H. Wilson. His company made saddles and harnesses until about 1919 when he passed away. His son-in-law was John R. Craighead. He re-opened the company in 1920 using his name as the company name. He made belts. His son, Wilson Craighead, began making kids’ stuff in the 1950′s.

Continue reading »]]> Check in to F.M. Light’s on Facebook® and Receive 20% Off your Pair of Justin Bent Rail Cowboy Boots!

 Simply check in on your mobile phone January 5-10th, and show the screen to the cashier at check-out. It’s that easy!

Don’t know what it means to check in? We’ve got you covered! Read this how-to, and you’ll be receiving deals like a pro.

Continue reading »]]> What Does it Mean to Check-In on Facebook®?

These days, there are all kinds of newfangled gadgets, doodads, and ideas. It takes a bit of know-how to discover what everything means. We’re here to help.

Facebook® Check In: To take part in this very useful new tool, follow these simple steps:

1. Login to your Facebook® account on your phone while you’re in the store browsing the boot section, or perusing the jean wall.

2. Find the tab that says: Nearby. Follow this link to see a list of businesses in the area. This is done by utilizing the GPS in your phone!

3. Check in: Now you can check in! There are a few benefits of doing this. Here are some examples:

Scenario A: “I’m at F.M. Light’s, and I just found the perfect pair of boots!”

Scenario B: “I’m riding Lightning the horse at F.M’s, yeehaw!”

Scenario C: You can check in to receive deals that we offer.

It’s that simple.

Continue reading »]]> The Sawbuck Vest from Outback Trading Company.

25% Off

Was $79.99, now $59.99

This oilskin vest features a full zip  from with an inside storm flap to keep you warm against all kinds of weather. It has nubuck trimmed slash style pockets and top collar. A back-elastic insert, and extended back protects against the cold while bending or reaching.

Colors: Brown or Sand

Sizes: S-XL

To Order: Email: michelle@fmlight.com

4. We are offering a Christmas Special. Who doesn’t want quality goods at sale prices?

Remember, we ship anywhere – order soon to ensure arrival before Christmas.

Continue reading »]]>

The North Pole Gazette, December 17th, 2011

Elia Mistletoe, reporting

Breaking News – Speculation about Wrapping ElvesLast Christmas season, a few elves went missing from Santa’s workshop. Head elf, Francois Tinsel, said he first noticed the missing workers “after the mid-morning hot chocolate break,” and said that the unusual occurrence “had never happened before in the history of Christmas.” This break from tradition is indeed the first in the long history of the Christmas rush. Another elf, Cotelle Holly, said she noted the missing elves because “there were extra sugar cookies, an unusual phenomenon during the busy week.”

Speculation is arising as to the disappearance of the elves again this year.

A report from an anonymous source in the North Pole is that the elves will re-appear this year as well – once again wrapping gifts for free in downtown Steamboat Springs.

When asked about the missing elves, Santa applauded their support of the real spirit of Christmas.

“Christmas isn’t about meeting deadlines, or about receiving gifts. The elves promoted Christmas as it truly should be – by serving others. ‘The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others’ burdens, easing other’s loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas.”*

The missing elves have not yet been identified, but an anonymous source stated that the elves left their post to:

“Spread holiday cheer, and serve in the spirit of Christmas.”

Mysterious Photos of the Elves, now labeled – The Wrapping Elves

Acknowledgments: Santa is quoting W.C. Jones in the latter part of his statement.

Continue reading »]]>  Annabeth and Lloyd Lockhart, married November 20, 1941

Thank you for the fine example you’ve shared with us;

Love, Fidelity and Commitment
through both good times
and times of trial and suffering.

We love you,
Ty and Betty, Brandon
Chris and Lindsay
Del and Nina, Dawson, James, Sarah and Jonathan
Andrew and Bethany
Daniel and Jessica
Dustin and Susanna

Great-grandsons Andrew, Jeremiah, Ethan, and Bruce, and great-granddaughter Simonne.

“Let your father and mother be glad, and let her rejoice who gave birth to you.” ~ Proverbs 23:25 – Proverbs of Solomon

 The Family outside the Store

Continue reading »]]> So, it’s clear you need a new hat. F.M. Light and Sons has an entire wall of quality cowboy hats from which to choose.

But, we want to make it even easier for you. We are partnered with the Stetson and Resistol hat companies, to give you two coupons.

Click on the coupon below to print out full coupon.

Because we love our hats, and our customers so much.

Click on the coupon below to print out full coupon.

]]> http://fmlight.com/2011/10/19/cowboyhat-coupons/feed/ 0 http://fmlight.com/2011/10/19/cyclist-elia-viviani-billy-kidd-hat/ http://fmlight.com/2011/10/19/cyclist-elia-viviani-billy-kidd-hat/#comments Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:08:08 +0000 zan http://fmlight.com/?p=2577 Everyone can wear a Stetson:

See the sprint that won cyclist Elia Viviani a Billy Kidd Stetson hat! This hat was awarded to him after he won the stage 4 sprint finish of the 2011 USA Pro Cycling Challenge.

Continue reading »]]> Psst…we want to let you in on a little secret. If you love music as much as we do, and if you like discovering new, exciting artists to listen to, then look no further!

Each week, Stetson hosts a band that they believe has something wonderful to share with the world.

The bands come from all genres, celebrating music that offers something fresh and interesting.

Here is one such artist – Nicole Atkins. Click the image to visit Stetson’s YouTube channel to listen to the song!

Another artist they have featured is Erin McCarly. We love her rendition of Hank Williams’ “I Saw the Light.” We hope you enjoy her jovial, exciting song as much as we do!

Stetson has featured more artists – check out their blog or Facebook page for more information about Stetson Center Stage, and the artists they feature.

Stetson’s Links:

We love all the artists they have hosted. But, who couldn’t love the foot-tapping, inspired artists they feature?

Continue reading »]]> The USA Pro Cycling Challenge was a huge success. Anyone who watched the race can tell you it was filled with excitement, energy and dramatic finishes.

Everyone at F.M. Light and Sons enjoyed the race – especially because we were able to meet some amazing people. Bicycling.com did the stage 4 recap in our store, with Joe Lindsay and Frankie Andreu hosting. Thank you so much!

Continue reading »]]> How to Trick Rope, or Spin a Rope

from wikiHow – The How to Manual That You Can Edit

So…you want to trick rope like this guy?

Think you’re ready to begin? Follow the steps in this article and see. Trick roper Will Roberts will show you how to spin a rope and git R Done!

If you prefer a more in-depth study of trick roping, click on the book below to read chapter by chapter:

Continue reading »]]> How to Trick Rope Spin a Rope

from wikiHow – The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Watch this video of a professional trick roper to get inspired!

Read the steps below to become a trick roper: Trick roper Will Roberts will show you how to spin a rope and git R Done!

Steps

1. Find a smooth floor. Do not attempt this in the drawing room, however, especially if you are particular about the polish and fixtures, and do not practice m clothes which you expect to use for any other purpose. A rope has the habit of picking up all the dirt on the floor. Girls should wear knickers-a skirt will be constantly interfering with the rope.
2. Get the right rope. One cannot pick up just any rope and hope to succeed. The best quality of braided cotton sash cord is needed for successful spinning; this can be obtained from most hardware stores. Be sure to secure the 3/8 inch size, commonly designated as No. 12. Made up spinning rope in the proper lengths and weights to meet the demands of the tricks described herein can be obtained from your dealer or a manufacturer of spinning ropes.
3. Get the right length of rope. For a beginner, 20 feet of rope is about the right length. In the trick pictured in the frontispiece, a 22 foot rope is being used. A small boy may find 17 or 18 feet a better length. Secure 20 feet, and after a trick or two have been learned, if the rope seems too long, cut it down. It is not wise for an amateur to try to use a long rope by holding it short. Cut it off.
4. Bend one end back and wire it there with copper wire, forming an eye or honda, about 3 inches long, as in Figure A, Picture 15. Pass the other end through the honda and the rope is ready to use. Some ropers prefer a light weight aluminum honda (Figure C), but it is not at all essential.

Body Spin or Wedding Ring

1. Hold the rope as in Picture 16. Study the picture carefully. Note that the extreme end of the rope is in the right hand, held between the thumb and finger, the other fingers holding the noose, and that the left hand merely holds the noose open. Also note that the honda is nearly down to the ground on the right side. The stem held in the right hand goes straight through the honda and is not doubled back as so many beginners think.
2. Lay it over your head with your right hand, keeping your left hand low.
3. Pick the noose up with your right hand and lay it over your head, as in Picture 17, keeping your left hand low. Do not use your left hand to lift the noose up–that is the fatal mistake every beginner makes: The left hand must remain on the level of your waist in the entire process. Much strength is not necessary – just lay the noose over your head with the right hand so that it circles the body.
4. Drop your right hand quickly down until the rope is on the level of your waist as in Pictures 18 and 19, then give the noose a hard spin around you from right to left, using both hands to give it momentum. As you do this let go with your left hand and release the noose with the right hand, holding on to the end only. Raise your right hand overhead and just keep it going.
5. Give it a circular spin around you. Too much muscle is sure to mean defeat. It is spun largely with a wrist motion, not an arm motion. Your arm should be directly overhead, with a slight bend at the elbow, but little motion is made with it-the wrist mainly keeps it going. Roping is rhythm-you must keep time with the rope from head to foot; do not hurry it. A wide violent, arm swing breaks the spin-it is the fault hardest for most beginners to overcome, and perhaps much of your failure at the start may be traceable to it.
6. At first you will succeed only in wrapping yourself up in the rope, but don’t be discouraged at that. Keep at it. There is no easy road to roping. Every one who spins the rope has paid the price, and you will have to do the same. The price in roping is hours of practice. So keep at it and it will come, perhaps much sooner than you expect. And when it does, practice harder than ever. Don’t admit you have learned it until you can start the spin fifty times in succession without breaking down.
7. When `you have the rope spinning around you nicely, reach up and take the stem in your left hand and keep the spin going, thus giving your right hand a rest. Practice changing hands until you can work as easily and smoothly with one hand as with the other.

Handshaking

1. Get the body spin going nicely and just as the stem is passing the right shoulder, drop the spinning noose to the ground by lowering the right hand to the level of the belt.
2. Grab the stem quickly in the left hand and carry it around behind you.
3. Reach around with the right hand, take it and bring it around in front, where the left hand takes it again, and so on. It takes some fast grabbing with the hands. Try doing it on a smooth floor at first.

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Sources and Citations

• http://www.willrogers.com/

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Trick Rope Spin a Rope. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.