The traditional sights, scents, and sounds of the season have a special way of kindling our memories.
The most precious of memories are made with friends and family. It is easy, however, in the rush and bustle of the season to brush aside the things that are most valuable instead of taking the time to cultivate and appreciate them. That’s why we’ve gathered a collection of greetings that we have received from our customers in the past; it’s good to bring these memories out and polish them up and appreciate what made them good enough to save. We’ve also responded to them as if it were just yesterday that we received these greetings in the mail. Consider these our holiday greetings to you, as we remember the good times that we’ve enjoyed with you in the past and look forward to traditions we’ll keep in the future.
When I was young like 6 or 7 I would go with my father to your store as he always bought his Steston hats from you. Your ladder that has wheels on it was too much of a temptetion for me at this age so I would push and then jump on the ladder for a free ride needless to say I knocked off many of your hats and I just know that my father could have disowned me in an instant…needless to say I am now 73 and stil remember your store from this experience…..we lived in Mt Harris.
—Joseph H., Mt. Harris
I can’t blame you for taking rides on the wheel ladder, Joseph. I certainly would do the same thing myself, and I’m definitely older than seven. This may explain, however, why the ladder isn’t there anymore. It’s good to hear of your memories of the store. Hope you can stop back in someday.
I’m a native of Colorado and learned to ski in Steamboat. We always stayed at the Rabbit Ears Hotel in the late 60’s early 70’s. I now have family that lives in Steamboat and it is a favorite place to visit and our kids also love it, in fact our middle kid and her fiancé have chosen the mountain for their wedding this summer, due to fond memories of her childhood. We always visit your establishment when we come to Steamboat; your customer service is amazing, I work for a retailer with a rich heritage similar to yours and appreciate how your business is founded on integrity, perseverance, and quality! Love the history of your business. Keep doing what you are doing!!!
—Ginny R., Texas
Good to hear from you Ginny! It is humbling to share our history with so many of your family’s memories made in Steamboat. The Yampa Valley does have a way of making it’s way into your heart, doesn’t it? Thanks for your kind words, it is encouraging to hear that people appreciate the hard work that goes into keeping history alive.
I’ve been shopping at F.M. Light and Son’s since 1967, when I would visit my uncle who was the district ranger for the US Forest Service, Routt National Forest. Since then, whenever I found myself on US 40 heading east or west in Colorado, I would stop at your shop. The last two trips we picked up first some gorgeous cowboy boots for my wife and just two years ago we found an equally impressive pair of (size 13) Cayman boots for myself. And even if we don’t need anything it is a real joy to see the shop and what you have to offer. Like the old Burma Shave signs along the highways, the F.M. Light and Son’s signs are a joy to see and read. I know I’m getting close when they start to appear.
—William W., Utah
That must have been an impressive cayman, to make those boots! It’s always fun being able to provide someone with a unique pair of boots, especially when we have one of the more uncommon sizes in stock. We’re glad you and your wife are both enjoying them. It’s always good to see people again, especially if you are just stopping by as you say. That means we must be doing something right! Stop by again anytime.
No visit to Steamboat Springs can be complete without a visit to F.M. Light. Every visitor and passer-bye will be taken in by the polite and knowledgeable sales-staff found at the store. One will feel almost empty without buying a hat, a Stetson, jeans or even a pair of original boots! Take it from me, I traveled thousands of miles to see Steamboat Springs – and F.M. Light & Sons. Wish I could have more time to visit as often as I wanted. It was a pleasure to visit your store.
Heinz Rainer, from Sound of Music country
—Heinz R., Austria
We’re so glad that you enjoyed you visit, Heinz, and that it was worth the trip. We would love to see you if you were to visit again. We would also love to be able to visit Sound of Music country as often as we wonted. A truly remarkable place! That is indeed one of the most rewarding parts of traveling – to be thousands of miles away from home and find people who are very much different but equally as friendly.
Thanks so much for packing up the black hat for me and sending it to the deeeeeep south. It came in perfect shape and fits just right. It was great to be in the store on May 15th. Bill was very helpful to get the size 7 and 3/4 down from the high hook up front. Could have spent much more time in the store but will save that for the next time. I appreciated the comment about the Burma Shave signs. I grew up in Iowa and have family in S. Dakota and Wyoming. Have a great year and thanks so much.
—Gary C., Clermont, GA.
It’s good to know that the hat made it, Gary. We’ll let Bill know that you are enjoying it and that his labors were not in vain. We look forward to seeing you again and hope you have a great year as well.
As I was growing up in the 60’s my family always went to Steamboat for vacation. We always looked for the signs on the way, and once in town visited the store. I sat upon Lightning many times throughout the years, and always enjoyed visiting the store. As the years went by, I learned to ski and my number one pick was always Steamboat. The view from Rabbit Ears pass is amazing. I love Steamboat and miss it a lot as I now live near Houston, TX.
—Linda F., Houston
It’s good to hear from a past Lightning rider, Linda! We’re glad to hear that the signs may have helped to abate some of the “are we there yet” questions during your vacation drives. And yes, that view from Rabbit Ears is truly one of a kind. Come on by if you are ever back in town.
Finally, I got my boots I dreamed of for years! thanx, Angela!
—Peter, Switzerland
Glad to hear from you, Peter. We’ll let Angela know that you are enjoying your boots!
I always enjoy visiting your store whenever I go to Steamboat. I’m from New York city. We do not have anything like your store here. Thanks for being there. Hope to see you soon if not later. My wife and I love Steamboat. It reminds me of what the west is about.
—Corydon E., New York City
Sharing our part of the west is one of our great joys, Corydon. We’re glad to hear that you enjoy it, and that you look forward to stopping by. We certainly love to see you, and hope that you and your wife have a wonderful New York Christmas.
In fact, we would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas wherever you may be. We have most certainly enjoyed seeing you in the past, and we look forward to making more memories in the future. If you have any particular memories that you would like to share with us you can do so via our guestbook, as well as on Facebook. Also check out our Lightning Rider page. And most importantly, have a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year, and enjoy taking time to build memories with your friends and loved ones this holiday season.
