Huckleberry’s custom cowboy wear shop opens at 107 S. Washington
by Amber Schmitz, Sumner Newscow — After shoeing horses as a farrier for 15 years, Brian Strange decided to take his love for silversmithing and turn it into a business.
He and his wife, Bethany, moved here with their four younger children last spring, and decided to find a brick and mortar building to go with his online silversmithing business, Huckleberry’s, located at 107 S. Washington. The couple also has three adult children who live on their own. Bethany is currently employed by U.S.D. 259.
“Huckleberry was a term used in the late 1800’s for the right man to do the job,” Strange said.
Strange said his business started on a whim. For the past four months, the couple has been working on the building.
“Metal smithing has always been a hobby of mine, and it escalated when someone saw something they liked, and eventually I started making things for other people, then one thing after another, it became a business,” Strange said.
The premise behind the business, Strange said, is to carry handmade western wear, as well as cowboy art.
Strange makes custom bits, spurs, saddle hardware and silver jewelry by hand. On average, he spends 25 hours making a set of spurs, and between 4-5 hours making bits. He began making jewelry when his wife spotted a piece she liked in a magazine, and he made it for her. Strange taught himself engraving and manufacturing.
“Every piece is made by hand, there are no machine made parts,” Strange said.
The store offers not only custom handmade cowboy wear, but also features a variety of items by vendors, including leather goods, silver, pencil and paint art, and custom poured candles in unusual scents, such as Makin’ Bacon and BBQ Grill.
Although there are not currently established regular open hours, Strange said the doors will be open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Those needing to get ahold of him can call 316-308-3574.
A grand opening will be held the weekend of Nov. 12, after which more permanent opening hours will be established.
