This week I met with Director Jan Peterson at the Cowboy Art and Gear Museum in Elko, Nevada. Surrounded by masterfully created saddles, brilliant bits and bridles, and cowboy illustrations, we talk about the history of the brilliant entrepreneur and craftsman G. S. Garcia. Many of the pieces in the museum are Garcia originals!
G. S. Garcia shop at 500 block, Silver Street, Elko, 1907
The saddles created by G. S. Garcia and his family business were hugely popular and became highly sought after for their quality. In 1904, Garcia entered a saddle at the St. Louis World's Fair. The saddle he entered was decorated with precious gems and intricate silverwork and won a gold medal. Garcia had ordered a replica display horse for the fair to showcase his saddle. This same horse replica can be found in the Cowboy Art and Gear Museum, which also happens to be the exact building Garcia had built for his shop in the 1900s.
G.S. Garcia on his gold winning saddle
Horse replica G.S. Garcia used to showcase his award winning saddles and World Fair’s and at his shop
Side saddle used by women
Gold medals won by G. S. Garcia
After discussing the incredible life history of Garcia, his craftsmanship, and his effect on Elko, we also talk about an Edison record player, made in 1917. If you make it to the museum, ask for a demo, It still plays records! Stay tuned after the video and you will hear a recording of the Edison record "When You Were A Tulip And I Wore A Big Red Rose" Jan played for us.
1917 Edison Record Player-ask for a demo!
Episode links:
Cowboy Arts and Gear Museum webpage: https://cowboyartsandgearmuseum.org/about/
Article in the Northeastern Nevada Historical Society Quarterly published in 1983 discussing G.S. Garcia's world-famous saddle from the 1904 World's Fair: https://www.gbcnv.edu/howh/Garcia.html