   The Van Alstyne Leader
March 2, 1939 pg. 1 WELKER'S HARNESS SHOP ONLY OLD TIME BUSINESS REMAINING Mr. Welker Has Been In Same Business for 53 Years Here Among the business concerns established in Van Alstyne in the early days of the town's history, there is only one "old timer" remaining in business. L.P. Welker, 78, is still operating his saddle and harness shop on Jefferson street. Mr. Welker started the business back in 1886, 53 years ago. It was that year that he became associated with his father, J.L. Welker, when the business was confined to the manufacture and repair of harnesses. For the last several years Mr. Welker has operated a shoe shop and an auto top manufacture and repair shop in connection with his harneses and saddle business. The business was established by J.L. Welker who came to Texas from Missouri when Texas was emerging from the hectic days of the frontier period into the present era of commercial activity. Due to an accident in 1895, in which he sustained a broken hip, the senior member of the firm was disabled for duty the remainder of his life. A.F. Welker, brother to L.P. Welker, took his father's place as a member of the firm when the elder Welker was forced to retire. A.F. Welker severed his connection with the shop in 1900 and a few years later engaged in the shoe repair business. He sold the shoe repair business to his brother 18 or 20 years ago and moved to Denver, Colorado. "Yes, I was here before the town fully emerged from its embryonic state," Mr. Welker said. "Of course, there was some rowdiness during the saloon days, but that is a thing of the past and I have no complaints to make about anything or anybody. The people of Van Alstyne and vicinity have been exceedingly kind to me and I convey my sincere thanks and hearty good wishes for the generous support that has been accorded my business and for the many courtesies that have been shown me personally since casting my lot with t hem, 53 years ago." Mr. Welker is a native of Jackson, Missouri, being born there September 24, 1861. He is a member of the Christian church, joining 35 years ago. He is industrious, quiet and unassuming and is one of Van Alstyne's foremost citizens. Mr. Welker is sole owner and operator of his business here today, but he is never without company as several of the old timers in Van Alstyne gather frequently in the rear of his shop and play checkers. Mr. Welker is considered a champion at the game which he has played for several years and offers him much amusement. Mr. and Mrs. Welker have 3 living children and 6 grandchildren. Their children are James G. Welker of Hamilton, Texas; Harold Welker of Brownsville, Texas; and Mrs. Marie Waters of McKinney, Texas. Van Alstyne History Susan Hawkins © 2024 If you find any of Grayson County TXGenWeb links inoperable, please send me a message. |