A Family Tradition Since 1863

1863 George Washington Caldwell, a native of North Carolina and veteran of the Civil War, settles in Auburn, Kentucky and begins tanning leather. His operation becomes known as the Maple Park Tannery.

Around 1900 G.W. Caldwell’s son-in-law, Lloyd Standford Howlett, a harness maker, joins the business.

Mid-1920’s The third generation, William Caldwell Howlett, joins the business and Caldwell Lace Leather Company is formed.

1946 Joe Richard Howlett, the second of W.C. Howlett’s three sons, joins the business.

1969 Father and son, W.C. and Joe Howlett, sell Caldwell Lace Leather Company to Browning Arms Company of Morgan, Utah. Joe Howlett becomes President of Caldwell and joins the Board of Directors of Browning Arms Company.

1985 Joe Howlett and daughter, Lisa Jo Howlett, purchase the original Caldwell Lace Leather Company building in Auburn, along with other assets and equipment, and form Auburn Leather Company.

1986 Auburn Leather Company’s first year in operation – 12 employees and $900,000 in sales.

1988 The Company, historically focused on leather laces and western tack, introduces its first line of motorcycle bags and accessories.

1995 The Company grows to 55 employees and reaches $5 million in sales.

2005 Miles Richard Leach, a sixth generation family member (youngest grandson of Joe Howlett and nephew of Lisa Howlett), joins the Company.

2009 The Company acquires the lace division of Triple C Leather Co., Inc., as well as the Caldwell Gasket division of Caldwell Industries, Inc.