Schroeder Saddletree Factory

ARCHITECTURE/CULTURE

The Schroeder Saddletree Factory made over 250 styles of saddletrees, ranging from the leatherweight frames used in jockey saddles to the heavy, hide covered Western trees in cowboy saddles. The factory opened in 1878, during which the Schroeder family made between 300,000 and 500,000 saddletrees, nearly two million clothespins, countless stirrups, hames and work gloves in their small factory. This family business closed in 1972 after 94 years. Madison once had 12 Saddletree factories and rivaled in the trade. This site is owned and operated by Historic Madison, Inc, and is open from April to October- Fri-Mon, 1:00 to 4:30.