Bootmaker
Don Atkinson
Don Atkinson ran Don Atkinson Custom Boot and Saddle Shop in Ingram, Texas, working alongside his wife, Virginia. Born in Missouri, where he learned bootmaking, and a former bullrider, he specialized in old-fashioned show boots with elaborate tooling and finish work.
History
Don Atkinson ran Don Atkinson Custom Boot and Saddle Shop in Ingram, Texas, and was profiled in Joe Nick Patoski's June 2002 Texas Monthly list of Texas bootmakers. He was seventy-four at the time, born in Missouri, where he began learning the craft, and he was a former bullrider. His wife, Virginia, helped in the shop.
His specialties were old-fashioned show boots, elaborate tooling, and finish work, with pairs starting around $900 and taking eight months to a year. Musician Bob Wills was named among his clients. The shop also did saddle work.
Known for
Old-fashioned show boots with elaborate tooling; former bullrider