Carl Olsen · History

History

Carl Olsen was a Norwegian immigrant shoemaker who, according to the Olsen-Stelzer company history, began working for H. J. Justin in Nocona, Texas, in 1900. There he met Julius Stelzer. After several years at Justin's, Olsen moved to Henrietta, Texas, and opened his own shop, where the inlay designs he created became the company's hallmark.

The company's "Since 1900" framing refers to Olsen's start at Justin's in Nocona, not to the Henrietta partnership — that partnership dates to 1934, when Julius Stelzer joined him to form the Olsen-Stelzer Boot and Saddlery Company. By 1939 the company was producing 500 pairs a week, with Olsen's sons Norman and Harry running the business side and heading design and production, respectively.

Olsen is quoted from 1906: "I want to make you the best boots you have ever had, or that can be produced, from the standpoint of select materials, styles and workmanship." Julius Stelzer was his partner, and the company's later history continues as Olsen-Stelzer.