By Rita Thompson-Tinsley
Roots run deep in every limb of the unrelenting Hughes family tree. Born November 19, 1939, in Winslow, Arizona as William Lee Hughes, he was soon dubbed ‘Skeeter,’ a name that has stuck with him over the ages.
At the onset of World War II, Skeeter’s dad along with many neighboring cowboys were drafted into the military. Skeeter’s dad was not eligible because of missing fingers, so as others went off to war the senior William Patton ‘Mack’ Hughes was asked to participate in the War Effort of managing cattle on Arizona Navajo and Hopi reservations.
As a stockman for the San Carlos Tribe’s cattle herd for 30 years, Mack was well-respected, and Skeeter learned from that integrity and hard work, taught through many long hours moving cattle, breaking colts, doing every job no matter how big or small.
According to Skeeter, his dad, a man of few words, had a couple of important philosophies, one being, “You had better not let the sun catch you in bed.” Thus, they were up at 4 am, and the day was not over until the last task was completed.
It was not only Skeeter’s dad that was to be a great influence in his life. Stella Cox Hughes, his mother, was an amazing example of rugged western life ingenuity. Legend says that Stella could feed 100 hungry people as easily as she could a small dinner party.
Along with Stella’s culinary skills, she was an adept writer, authoring many columns and articles including a regular stint for Western Horseman magazine called Bacon and Beans. She received a coveted Spur Award for Best Western Fiction in 1984 from the Western Writers of America and was inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Museum in Fort Worth, Texas in 1988.
According to a local newspaper writeup after her passing, Stella, a former trick rider and rodeo performer, could also rope, drive a team of horses or mules, and could even ride Roman style, in her younger days.
Every nuance of western heritage ran deep in the Hughes family household, and Skeeter has become a product of such wonderful tradition and utmost integrity, along with his sister Joyce.
After finishing college, Skeeter worked for the U.S. Department of the Interior. It was after retiring in 1982 that Skeeter met international saddle maker Jesse Smith at a leather show. Becoming intrigued with leather working, Hughes inquired about becoming a student of this worldly craftsman so he could further his skills in making fine tack and saddlery.
The class, a one-on-one in Colorado, was a two-month venture in which Skeeter gained the knowledge and direction to get his new business started. Now after close to four decades, through Stitching Post Leather Co., Skeeter has created handcrafted saddles for a vast following of cowboys nationally.
He crafts bridles, chaps, and tapaderos by first creating the patterns that prove effective and ideal. His saddle and leather works are the hallmark of a proud method that honors quality. To visitors in his shop in Dewey, Skeeter always points out the extra steps taken that truly separate his work from merchandise on a store shelf.
He also repairs saddles and leather works impeccably for many local equestrians, including an occasional dressage saddle now and then – something you’d find unusual in a western leather shop.
Skeeter and wife Patti, ever creative in her own right, have traveled over the years to events and festivals to showcase their goods. They find great comradery with a number of other highly noted leather and saddlery makers.
Having the drive to become extraordinary and successful is a great accomplishment, but to have the abilities, knowledge, experience AND to share these techniques with others is truly a gift – a selfless one. That’s exactly what Skeeter Hughes has done over the years.
Bryan Rhone came to Skeeter for horse boarding 25 years ago. From time to time, Bryan would have issues with his leather horse tack that required mending.
Skeeter urged Bryan to learn to fix his own tack. Now after years of mentoring, Bryan has discovered not only a helpful skill, but a craft that he truly enjoys sharing with others.
Rhone creates wonderful custom-made leather holsters, knife sheaths, scabbards, belts, and the like. Many pieces are beautifully personalized.
Fifteen-year-old Wyatt became fascinated with the art of leather working and comes to Skeeter’s shop every Friday to work on a saddle and other tack under Skeeter’s tutelage. According to Skeeter, Wyatt is impressively gifted, as is Bryan, using meticulous methods to imprint the leather.
Another student, Cecelia – a single mom who has her hands full with a job – insists on taking the time to learn this great art of working with leather. She makes beautiful book binders with exquisite designs.
Paying it forward with his education and experience, Skeeter ensures his legacy through the leathercrafting students he selflessly mentors. Yet, at 81, you will still find the master leather craftsman, tool in hand, putting the final touches on another project.
Oh, the sweet smell of leather.
