The McClellan Cavalry Saddle

    The McClellan Cavalry Saddle, designed by George B. McClellan in the mid- 1850’s, was used by the U. S. Army from 1859 until the 1940’s when the last horse cavalry and horse artillery was disbanded. It is still used ceremonially today, which proves that a well-designed product that fills a need will endure and stand the test of time.

    I have been fascinated with McClellan saddles since I was a boy.

    Over the years the design of key pieces of hardware from the saddle has influenced my hardware design for Col. Littleton bags.

    The brass pommel shield is my favorite piece from the saddle.

    The purpose of the pommel shield was to identify the seat size of the saddle and, many times, the arsenal that supplied them. Pommel shields also had a slot through which a leather strap could be threaded to anchor a bedroll or other necessities.

    I have adopted the pommel shield as an option in a special collection of Col. Littleton products. To me it is a symbol of Americana, and I’m proud to display that symbol on some of my products. The legacy of the McClellan Saddle lives on.

Godspeed,      

How to tell if you're a Col. Littleton Customer
 

If you had owned this No. 1 Saddlebag Briefcase for 10 years and wouldn't
trade it for a new one, you would qualify.
__________________________
 

I've owned this one that long, and I wouldn't trade it either.
__________________
 

And, I suspect it's going to last me another 10 years.

P.S. I also suspect it's going to last long enough for someone else to own it after me.
____________________________________________

I’m thankful for good friends and good health.
 

I’m thankful that I live in this great country where I can take responsibility
for my own well-being.
 

I’m thankful that I believe in God.
 

I’m thankful that all of this gives me peace of mind when I pillow my head at night.

Godspeed,      

All Paths Lead Home

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Colonel Gives Dedication Prayer

Part II

Shaun, Nicole and son Trevor, officially breaking ground on their new home site.

Tennessee National Honor Guard prepares to open the ceremony.

Fastrax Jump Team parachuting into the groundbreaking ceremony.

Fastrax jumper presenting the American Flag.

Shaun Meadows and Colonel enjoying the day.	Colonel gives the opening prayer at the ceremony.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A Hero's Story

 Staff Sergeant Shaun Meadows was deployed in Afghanistan in 2008. While on a combat patrol, Shaun was riding on the back of a Humvee in the rear gunner spot. The team was bound for a mission that would take several days so they had to load up with a lot of ammo and supplies, most of which was under Shaun's seat. His legs were draped over the back of the Humvee when the IED exploded under him and the bumper shot up and instantly took his legs off.

Free Fall Parachute Jump – First for Double above the Knee Amputee
    But Meadows' story is not one of loss, but rather, one of perseverance. After his injury, he was fitted for prosthetics, and with the spirit that his fellow airmen in the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron had long admired, he was walking and then running only a few months post injury.

    When Meadows made the decision to retire from the Air Force, he wanted to jump one last time with his unit. "Lt. Col. Cannaday and General Wurster began working to make that happen for him," his wife Nicole said. "And on June 14, 2010, Shaun became the first Air Force double above the knee amputee on active duty to complete a free fall parachute jump."

Move to Lynnville
    When the family began discussing options for the next chapter in their lives, wife Nicole said Shaun knew he wanted a tract of land in the country. After several flights from Washington D.C. to the Volunteer State, Shaun retired from the Air Force, and Shaun, Nicole and their six year old son Trevor moved to Tennessee.

    "We love Lynnville," Nicole Meadows said. "It is quiet, simple and absolutely gorgeous country. We can't imagine living anywhere else now. Everyone in Lynnville has made us feel at home. Lynnville is the kind of place that you fall in love with at first sight and you never want to leave. For us it has always felt like home."

The Announcement-Operation Finally Home
    On September 2, 2011 Shaun made another free fall parachute jump with country music star Big Kenny, of Big & Rich fame, to kick off a concert to benefit wounded heroes and their families. Big Kenny, John Rich and Gretchen Wilson donated 100 percent of the proceeds from the concert to Operation Finally Home, an award winning program that provides custom made mortgage free homes to wounded and disabled veterans and the widows of the fallen in an effort to get their lives back on track.

    That night, Shaun and his family were enjoying the concert when they were called to the stage. "It was like a dream," Nicole said when they were presented with the Operation Finally Home award of a new, mortgage free home. "There was an overwhelming rush of feeling shocked and grateful. It warms your heart to have complete strangers reach out and do something so big – something that will completely change the rest of our lives."

Ground Breaking
    The Meadows family will officially break ground at the site of their new home on Veteran's Day –11-11-11 at 10:00 am. "It is surreal to think we will break ground on Veteran's Day and that day will forever serve as a reminder of how blessed we are that we can still be a family," Nicole said.

Stay Tuned
    Colonel will be giving the dedication prayer at the ground breaking and we will share pictures of the event in Part II of honoring our military heroes.

Story first reported by Tracy Ayers in the Pulaski Citizen

___________________________________________________________________________________ 

The Wheel allowed man to leave home and venture outside his territory. 

It introduced the concept of speed, and travel became faster.

The Internet allows man to travel around the world and into space with a click of the mouse without ever leaving home.

The Wheel allowed man to take his wares to new markets and broaden the scope of his business.

The Internet allows man to sell his wares around the world without ever 
leaving home.

But, no matter how great the internet is for selling products, they still can't be delivered without the wheel.

The new Col. Littleton site is live. Let us know what you think.

*P.S. I think it was simpler to build the wheel.

P.P.S. I could have had a real nice set of wheels for what this website cost.

Flag, letter and certificate received by Colonel from C. Beau Barnett, Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

A Special Flag

Some occasions are just more special than others.

On December 15, 2010, I had a birthday... not so special;

even though I'm always glad to have one. But, had I known I had a flag flying in honor of my birthday over the 1st Marine Division (Forward) Headquarters, Camp Leatherneck in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan,    you can be sure I would have stood a little taller and reached a little higher on that day. Now, that's special!

It all came about through C. Beau Barnett, who served in the military for many years and is now a contractor working with the fine men and women of the U. S. Marine Corps at Camp Leatherneck.

Beau said, "I am a fan of your products and appreciate the quality that goes into making them. As I understand it, you are a supporter of our military as well; and I thought I would take it upon myself to have a flag flown over Camp Leatherneck on your birthday." Along with Beau's letter, I received the actual flag that flew over the camp and a certificate commemorating the occasion. I was speechless.

Beau, you "bet your boots" I'm a supporter of all the members of our armed forces.

I appreciate your service in the military and your continuing association. There are no words that even seem appropriate to thank you for the part you played in giving me one of the most special gifts I've ever received.

Richard Woodard, Mgr. of the Col. Littleton Workshop, and Colonel raise the flag as employees
prepare to pledge allegiance.

The flag that flew over Camp Leatherneck (Helmand Province, Afghanistan) flew in downtown Lynnville June 17, 2011.

My best regards and warmest wishes to you and all the men and women serving our country at Camp Leatherneck.

"The flag stands for all that we hold dear-
Freedom, Democracy, Government of the People,
By the People, and For the People."
Henry Cabot Lodge, 1915

MEMORIES OF MY DAD

Some of my fondest memories are of my Dad. Although he never went to college or garnered degrees of any kind, he was one of the smartest men I've ever known. Here are some things I remember.

Here's wishing you a spectacular Father's Day with your Dad if you are fortunate enough to have him with you and; if not, happy recollections of him and what he means to you.

Regards,

It's not too often that travelers venture from afar to visit our offices, but on Monday, March 28th two world travelers made the trek from New York to Lynnville, TN. Producer, Liza Hughes, and Videographer, Gerry Miller, of CNBC News arrived at Col. Littleton to film a segment for the CNBC show "The Call".

In November 2010, I co-engineered eight leather products, mostly for the iPad®, with Griffin Technology Inc., a Nashville-based company and one of the world's largest providers of personal computing and digital media accessories.

This marriage of high-tech meets heirloom quality leather goods created a successful cooperative partnership between our two Tennessee based businesses, and also made for a good opening story on "The Call's" new segment, "The Industrial Revolution". This new weekly segment features companies with an emphasis on products made in America.

Colonel, CNBC producer Liza and videographer Gerry with their new personalized Col. Littleton products.

Gerry filmed all the Lynnville local sites and attractions along with a close up look at our team hand crafting leather goods in our workshop. After putting the spotlight on the Colonel for a quick interview, Liza and Gerry headed to Nashville to visit with Griffin Technology. We appreciate their visit, and hope you enjoyed the video.

Regards,

Gerry adjusts lighting for Liza's interview with Colonel.

Gerry films Col. Littleton products for the iPad®.

Gerry watches as Bud embosses initials on our No. 9 Journal.

Click our No. 5 Pocket to see even
more products for the iPad®.

The Scouting Way of Life

2010 marked the 100-year anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America, with the centennial celebration spanning a two-year period. We applaud this values-based organization founded on leadership, service and community which has served millions of America's youth, including the Colonel.

The time I spent in the Boy Scouts has had a huge influence on my life. During my scouting days, I lived out in the country in a small community in east Tennessee. The old Marlow School where scout meetings were held was about two miles as the crow flies down the railroad track, across the field, through the woods and across a high, high railroad trestle.

During the summer when the days were long, I enjoyed the two-mile hike across the backwoods to attend the scout meetings for my Troop No. 2. However, at times the return trip would be after dark; and that was a bit scary even though I never admitted it.

Money was not that plentiful and my only cash flow was $1.50 a week from delivering newspapers to a widely-scattered fifteen subscribers. So, my scout uniform never progressed beyond a scout cap and neckerchief.

But the Boy Scouts was, to me, more than a uniform. It was a way of life that served me well then and even today. I took to heart the principles I read in the Scout Handbook (which I still have) and made the commitment that I would always apply these principles to my life to the best of my ability.

We salute the scouting way of life and what it has meant to so many young people during the last 100 years.

Regards,

The Scout Law

  1. The Scout Is Trustworthy

  2. A Scout Is Loyal

  3. A Scout Is Helpful

  4. A Scout Is Friendly

  5. A Scout Is Courteous

  6. A Scout Is Kind

  7. A Scout Is Obedient

  8. A Scout Is Cheerful

  9. A Scout Is Thrifty

10. A Scout Is Brave

11. A Scout Is Clean

12. A Scout Is Reverent

Note missing corner which was used to make a guitar pick.
The Colonel learned #9 well!

The American's Creed

I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a republic; a sovereign nation of many sovereign states; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice and humanity, for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.

I therefore believe it is my duty to my Country to love it, to support its constitution; to obey its laws; to respect its Flag, and to defend it against all enemies.

William Tyler Page
(From the Boy Scout handbook)

A Valentine Memoir

From the Colonel

When I Was 3... I drew a Valentime for my Mother and she cried.

When I Was 9 And In The 3rd Grade... I gave the pretty girl in the fifth grade a Valentine. The next day she winked at me in the hall.

When I Was 15 And In The 9th Grade... I gave my girlfriend a box of Valentine candy in a heart-shaped box. She blushed and walked away.

When I Was 17 And A Senior... I gave a dozen red roses to my steady girl. We held hands and walked down the hall.

When I Was 19 And Away At College... I sent one rose to my steady girl back home. I couldn't afford a dozen.

When I Was 25... I gave my steady girl future wife "A Rose and A Baby Ruth" along with a kiss. She appreciated the sentiment, but didn't remember the song.

When I Was 50... I just told my wife I loved her and gave her a kiss.

When I Was 60... I just gave my wife a hug, and she knew I loved her.

When I Was 90... I think I'll wink at my wife and wait for her to smile.

The American Soldier - Recognizing Those Who Serve

Veterans Day is a special day to me, and I enjoy events surrounding the holiday that celebrate and honor the American soldier past and present. I am always humbled by the stories of courage and sacrifice by these men and women who are on the front lines securing our safety, liberty and way of life.

LTC Jeff Hackett speaks at his promotion ceremony

On Friday, November 5, 2010, in Washington DC, Major Jeffrey Scott Hackett was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in a military ceremony at the Pentagon - perhaps not a big deal in the worldwide scheme of things - but, you know, it really is a big deal when you think about it.

I've known Jeff almost from the day he was born and watched him grow up to fill this role. He has a brilliant mind. He could have chosen many paths in life, but all he ever wanted to do was serve his country, which he has done admirably as an infantryman, as a rifle company commander in Afghanistan and now as a LTC stationed at the Pentagon. (He always teases me by saying that someday he is going to catch up with my "rank" of Colonel.) I exalt him today, not only because he is like a son to me, but also because he is exemplary of all the unknown names and faces of those who have served our nation from the days of the American Revolution to the present and on whom our freedom rests.

Jeff, Ozelle, Jackson & Graham Hackett at the promotion ceremony

The American soldier does not serve alone - the service extends to those families who either travel from post to post or wait anxiously at home while their loved one serves abroad. Ozelle, Jackson and Graham will never forget that November day at the Pentagon when they had the honor of "pinning rank" on their husband and father, and I hope all of us as Americans never forget to give due honor to those who serve our country.

Regards,

The Colonel Introduces the 2011 Catalog.

A few observations on politics
from Will Rogers who, perhaps, said it best.

If you make any money, the government shoves you in the creek once a year with it in your pockets, and all that don't get wet you can keep.

Everything is changing. People are taking their comedians seriously and the politicians as a joke.

I bet after seeing us, George Washington would sue us for calling him "father."

I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.

I have a scheme for stopping war. It's this - no nation is allowed to enter a war till they have paid for the last one.

Anything important is never left to the vote of the people. We only get to vote on some man; we never get to vote on what he is to do.

Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for.

Now if there is one thing that we do worse than any other nation, it is try and manage somebody else's affairs.

On account of being a democracy and run by the people, we are the only nation in the world that has to keep a government four years, no matter what it does.

Our constitution protects aliens, drunks and U.S. Senators.

Politics has become so expensive that it takes a lot of money even to be defeated.

The man with the best job in the country is the vice-president. All he has to do is get up every morning and say, "How is the president?"

The more you observe politics, the more you've got to admit that each party is worse than the other.

The only difference between death and taxes is that death doesn't get worse every time Congress meets.

There ought to be one day - just one - when there is open season on senators.

Things in our country run in spite of government, not by aid of it.

This country has come to feel the same when Congress is in session as when the baby gets hold of a hammer.

Diplomats are just as essential to starting a war as soldiers are for finishing it... You take diplomacy out of war, and the thing would fall flat in a week.

* All quotes by Will Rogers. *

"Nothing you say matters if you don't vote."

Regards,

Colonel wishing God Speed to the new owner of the 1000th Saddlebag Briefcase.

No. 1 Saddlebag Briefcase Reaches a Milestone.

To become a Col. Littleton product, an item must appeal to me through a certain quality, look, and function. Throughout the entire design process we spend endless hours making sure each product comes out just right. Everyone here at Col. Littleton carries on this dedication and scrutiny from the time the product begins its journey as a leather hide until the finished product ships to the customer.

So, when we sold our 1000th No. 1 Saddlebag Briefcase recently, sending it out the door was almost like watching a loved one graduate from High School. And, just like any proud parent, we couldn't wait to tell everyone about it.

To some people 1000 may seem like a small number, but we see it more like making 1000 new lifelong friends. Hand making each bag from our American steer hide and personalizing it with 3 initials and an individual serial number, ensures that no two bags are exactly the same. We hope each owner enjoys and treasures their No. 1 Saddlebag Briefcase as much as we do.

Regards,

The 1000th No. 1 Saddlebag Briefcase serial numbered plate.

The 1000th No. 1 Saddlebag Briefcase in our Lynnville, TN store.

Early risers enjoying the pancakes and good company.

Update: Buck's New Glass Eye is a Done Deal.

Buck needed $1000 upfront for surgery to implant a new glass eye to replace his right eye lost to cancer. The Pancake Breakfast at the Soda Pop Cafe in Lynnville, along with other donations, raised $4300 for Buck!! That's enough for the surgery and for other related expenses he has had and will have in the future.

People started arriving at the breakfast before 7:00 am, 45 minutes early, to visit with Buck and wish him well. He was overwhelmed by the generosity of so many people and he sends his special thanks to those of you who contributed.

That's what makes America great…people coming together to help each other through the hard times of life.

Regards,

A full house at Downtown Lynnville's Soda Pop Cafe.

Soda Pop waitresses serving up hot pancakes, sausage, bacon and eggs.

Here in Lynnville when someone falls on a little hard luck, we all pitch in and try to help them get back on their feet.

Our friend, Buck, gathers with his friends on the benches outside our shop door every morning to drink coffee, discuss the weather, argue about politics and, in general, to solve the world's problems... anything is fair game with this group.

Buck recently had a bout with cancer and lost his right eye as a result. After surgery and countless trips to the doctor, Buck ran short on funds.

So, we're having a pancake breakfast Saturday, August 7th, at the Soda Pop Cafe in Lynnville to raise some money to buy Buck a glass eye. He has to pay $1000 up front to have the surgery.

If you happen to be in our neck of the woods on Saturday, stop in for some pancakes and help 'ole Buck out.

P.S. Buck isn't so interested in the cosmetic effects of the surgery, but he would like to get rid of the black patch. He says all the little kids at Wal-Mart stare at him. They probably think he's that guy off the soap opera, and that does concern him.

I'm told that the TWELVE MOST INFLUENTIAL WORDS
in the English language from a marketing perspective are:

So... here goes... I GUARANTEE YOU will LOVE this NEW Strong Box once you DISCOVER
how EASY it is to SAVE MONEY by hiding it in the false bottom where no family members can get their
hands on it.

The RESULTS are PROVEN and the SAFETY of the lock will keep you from worrying excessively
and ruining your HEALTH.

I have alerted the Order Department to be prepared for the onslaught of orders.

      Optimistically,

    P.S. click here to DISCOVER the Strong Box

    She had 13 children plus me, so she had a lot of experience at being a Mother.

    At dinner, or supper (and even breakfast), we often had fried chicken and she always said the back and the neck were her favorite pieces.

    I was a grown man before I understood the reason she ate the back and the neck was so she could leave the best pieces for us kids.

    And as I think about it, she never liked pie either.

  Regards,

A fool and his money are soon elected.

A holding company is a thing where you hand an accomplice the goods while the policeman searches you.

About all I can say for the United States Senate is that it opens with a prayer and closes with an investigation.

Alexander Hamilton started the U.S. Treasury with nothing, and that was the closest our country has ever been to being even.

Ancient Rome declined because it had a Senate, now what's going to happen to us with both a House and a Senate?

Anything important is never left to the vote of the people. We only get to vote on some man; we never get to vote on what he is to do.

Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for.

- Quotes by Will Rogers

This is the text of George Washington's October 3, 1789 national Thanksgiving Proclamation; as printed in The Providence Gazette and Country Journal, on October 17, 1789.

By the President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation.

  Regards,

  A few days ago I visited my stepmother, who is in a rehab facility recuperating from a fall. She asked me to go to her home and retrieve some valuables she had hidden in a secret place.

  I couldn't imagine what she would have hidden away, and I certainly didn't expect to find much. There was a key to a lock box in a little coin purse, her social security card, some insurance cards . . . and then I saw this vaguely familiar, crudely fashioned piece of pottery. I turned it over and saw my name scrawled on the bottom. I finally recognized it as the end result of an art project I did at school when I was about 8 years old. It had somehow survived 57 years of living with two boys at home, five major moves and a couple of downsizings.

  I guess a Mother's love can best be defined by the things she can't throw away. If you check your Mom's attic, you'll probably find every paper lace Mother's Day card, hand-made doily Valentine, cardboard Santa, camp project, clay pot, finger painting and every card and letter you ever sent her. Mothers are like that, and I think that's why they hold such a special place in our hearts.

  By now I hope my Mother has forgotten about all the rusted out vehicles in various states of disrepair that I parked in her yard along with that two-ton lathe that no one could move, the loud Elvis music, my whining about homework and household chores, etc. etc. etc. As Mark Twain said, "My Mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it." I certainly hope that's the case.

  Even though there's no way to adequately reward or repay our Mothers, we always try on Mother's Day. If you find something in the Col. Littleton line that you think is right for your Mom, we'll rush it out to you. She would probably like something personalized . . . whatever you decide, we'll take special care of it for you.

  Someone once said "A Mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care much for pie."  That pretty well sums it up.

Proverbs

I've always enjoyed reading the book of Proverbs. I'm not sure if these are proverbs or not, but I do appreciate a good saying. Here are a few of my favorites.

Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.

Meanness don't jes' happen overnight.

Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.

It don't take a very big person to carry a grudge.

You cannot unsay a cruel word.

Most of the stuff people worry about ain't never gonna happen anyway.

Don't judge folks by their relatives.

Don't interfere with somethin' that ain't botherin' you none.

Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.

Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.

Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin' it back in.