Page 101 - Industries_of_San_Antonio

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COMMERCE AND MANUFACTURES.
without them. Without the convenience and facility afforded by the
handiwork of the saddler in his various products, the wheels of commerce
would be locked or move but slowly. It is therefore in its effects on other
branches and its general results, the most useful of trades. In this, as in
every pursuit in life, some men out-strip others, are more thorough. This
is the result of long experience, industry, better practical knowledge of
their trade and honest pride in their work. To a man who establishes a
character for first-class work, the use of the best materials, and better
than all, honorable dealing, success is certain. San Antonio is well sup-
plied with establishments in this branch, the oldest, and among the most
prominent of which is that of D. Heye. Mr. Heye established his busi-
ness in 1866, with but small capital, financially, but with a strong, reserve
fund of energy, and that industry natural to his countrymen. He also
brought to his aid that prime factor, a thorough, 'practical education in
his trade, acquired in his native land—where thorough mechanics are
taught and no botches. His business has been a steady success from the
start, increasing year by year. Experience teaches those who once patron-
ized him, that they could do no better elsewhere, if as well. Hence, his
customers, once gained, stuck to him. He manufactures fine and ordinary
saddles, single and double harness, for all purposes ; bridles, leggings, side
saddles, etc. He trims carriages in any desired styles. In this branch of
his business he claims special merit, and he has gained the highest repu-
tation for his work of any house in Western Texas. To prove this, he
invites the closest investigation of his work. He also carries a complete
stock of saddles, harness, whips, pads, interfering-boots, curry-combs,
sponges, lap-robes, foreign and domestic bits,' chamois, etc., etc. In re-
pairng, he has no equal, as his experience dates from 1850-35 years ago,
when most of his competitors did not know what a saddle was. He em-
ploys five expert hands, and he will not have any other kind. His place
of business is commodious and convenient, No. 17, Commerce street, the
main business thoroughfare of the city. The main room is 25 by 55 feet
in size ; the shop, 18 by 15. His trade reaches through the State of Texas;
his transactions reaching $15,000 annually. His greatest pride is in the
fine workmanship, and superior quality of goods turned out of his shop.
Mr. Heye has been a resident of Texas since 1866, and he is a conscien-
tious, honorable, business-man and citizen.
THE SOUTHERN HOTEL—Jas. P. Hickman, Jr., Proprietor; Main
and Military Plazas.
Ideas and customs which conformed to the public taste and require-
ments a century ago, would appear incongruous in these days of progress
and enlightenment. Vast changes have taken place, comparatively phe-
nomenal improvements have been accomplished. The heroic colonist of
1785, were he to be suddenly resurrected and placed in one of our metro-
politan centres, would be as much dazed as was Rip Van Winkle, when
awakening from his sleep in the Catskills. In no one feature is this more