[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 176 (Wednesday, December 7, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1611]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF WELDON BURGOON AND WELDON'S SADDLE SHOP & WESTERN 
                                  WEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 7, 2016

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a long-time 
Denton business, Weldon's Saddle Shop & Western Wear. The community and 
I are saddened that the store will close its doors after nearly 60 
years of business on January 14, 2017. Weldon's presence on the 
downtown Denton square will be long remembered.
   Weldon Burgoon opened his shop in 1957, where he sold handmade 
leather saddles and accessories. In the '60s and '70s Weldon's was 
surrounded by many feed shops and farming centers, and when ranchers 
and cowboys came into town, many made sure to stop by Weldon's before 
they left. Over the years, Mr. Burgoon worked with his daughter, 
Kippie, and grandson, Clint, to make Weldon's a staple in downtown 
Denton.
   During his time as store owner, Mr. Burgoon crafted over 150 custom 
saddles and provided thousands of customers with quality Western wear, 
but he also offered more than just merchandise. Weldon's attracted many 
high school and college students who were members of the Future Farmers 
of America organization. These students would work at Burgoon's shop 
and on his ranch to get school credit and to gain valuable work 
experience. Mr. Burgoon also served as the rodeo chairman for the North 
Texas Fair and Rodeo for 14 years. Noted for his reputation for 
excellence, demonstrated work ethic and dedication to cowboy culture, 
he was inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2010. Last year, 
his store was named a Denton County Heritage Business for being in 
existence for over 50 years.
   Mr. Burgoon, now 86, has decided to close the shop after the 2016 
holiday season. He looks forward to spending more time with his wife, 
Joy, and seeing his grandson's new luxury leather store open in 
Weldon's original location. It is an honor to represent Mr. Burgoon, a 
local business icon, in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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