 First edition | |
| Author | Nick Kotz |
|---|---|
| Subject | Nathan Kallison |
| Genre | Non-fiction |
| Published | October 10, 2005 Texas Christian University Press |
| Publication place | U.S. |
| Pages | 320 |
| ISBN | 087565567X |
The Harness Maker's Dream: Nathan Kallison and the Rise of South Texas is a 2013 book written by the Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Nick Kotz, [1] published by Texas Christian University Press. It is Kotz' sixth book.
The book is a biographical portrait of Ukrainian immigrant Nathan Kallison and follows Kallison's journey as he flees anti-Semitic Russia and makes his way to the United States. Earning a living as a harness maker, Kallison quickly adapts to his new environment. After moving to San Antonio, Texas in 1899, he builds his one-room saddlery into the largest farm and ranch supply business in the Southwest and — a rarity among Jews in America — becomes a pioneer rancher. The Kallison Ranch shows his tradition-bound neighbors how to prosper by adopting the latest scientific advances in agriculture. At Kallison's Store —an early “big-box’ department store for farmers and ranchers — he meets customers’ needs by selling everything from a wide range of agricultural supplies to furniture for their homes, clothing for their families, and tires for their cars. [2] [3]
The Harness Maker's Dream is based on the life of Kotz' grandfather. [4] [5] For the benefit of readers who are researching the history of Jewish immigrant families in Texas, Kotz has included an index, extensive notes, and a bibliography. [6]