Larry Barnes and Barnes Boots
Larry Barnes was born in Montana but raised in Granger.
He enjoyed spending the school months in Granger and then heading back to Montana to work on the ranch for summer vacation.
He graduated from Granger High in 1961.
After graduation, Larry headed back to the ranch in Montana for a time and then came back to Granger.
Picture furnished by Linda Barnes Wood
Thayne Acord was influential in Larry's life. He knew Larry was very good with all Leather Crafts and so soon he talked Larry into joining his son Bill in the Shoe Store on 3500 and Redwood. Thayne always seemed to have sound business advice for those around him
Picture furnished by Linda Barnes Wood
At some point, Larry went on to a new location on Market Street. Barnes Boots and Leathers soon became Barnes Boots.
Picture furnished by Linda Barnes Wood
Picture furnished by Linda Barnes Wood
As business grew Larry adjusted the store moving to 2 more locations in the same Granger Shopping Center on Market Street
Buying Boots from Barnes Boots was such an exciting part of our lives. Walking into the store was intoxicating with the smell of fresh leather boots.
All of the Barnes Boots were high quality.
Larry and his team could also re-sole any shoes.
We rarely needed to buy new shoes because Larry and his team could make our old shoes as good an new.
He and his family worked hard to be the best shoe repair shop in the valley.
Here are some more pictures of the locations in the Granger Shopping Center/Market Street
Picture furnished by Linda Barnes Wood
Larry was an outstanding business owner, he loved and took care of the community.
Picture furnished by Linda Barnes Wood
Doesn't it just break your heart to see the building as it is demolished?
It was always a pleasure to visit Barnes Boots. This family business was a great gift to our community.
Larry still lives in West Valley. We are so glad he is still part of our community.
A special Thanks to Larry's sister Linda Barnes-Wood for furnishing many of the pictures
