By Mike McKenna
The world was a much different place back in 1876. The West was still a wild and rugged place. It was a land of cowboys and cattle, of hot dusty days and chilly, starlit nights. It was a time when things were made by hand and were made to last.
A lot has changed since the days of the Old West, but not everything.
The Northern Rockies still has a lot of wild and rugged places. Cowboys and cattle still roam and Burns still makes the finest Western wear in the world. Just like they’ve been doing since 1876.
“What we really sell is the spirit of the West and Sun Valley embodies that,” Brayden Shaw said, and he should know.
Brayden is a member of the sixth generation that has owned and operated the Burns since 1876 brand. He and his sisters are carrying on a tradition that began in Utah 20 years before it became the 45th state.
Miles Lamonie Burns was a true Western renaissance man. He was described as being a “cowboy, a fine leather craftsman, a blacksmith, a musician, a husband, a father and a visionary.” He opened his first retail shop during America’s centennial year. Burns and his family quickly earned a solid reputation for producing top quality harnesses and saddles. Even the legendary outlaw Butch Cassidy rode a Burns saddle.
Over the decades the Burns brand has continued to evolve. From harnesses and saddles to saddle blankets, cowboy hats, boots and silver belt buckles. They also put on some of the biggest barrel races in the country.
Burns products have been worn and used daily by horsemen and Pro Rodeo athletes for decades and now adorn celebrities of all genres and are regularly worn by stars on shows like “Yellowstone.”
“A lot of our history coincides with American history,” Brayden said. “We’re big on keeping the traditions alive and are super passionate about our craft.”
Burns still produces both highly-functional and highly-fashionable products by hand in the small town of Salina, Utah. Their roughly 100 artisans pass along trades and knowledge to the next generation of craftsmen. The familial aspect of the Burns business goes well beyond ownership, as does their obvious pride in their products.
“You get a really authentic product. A huge part of our business is the people still out working in the field and industry, so it’s important that we offer products that fit, work and are comfortable,” Brayden said.
Burns recently opened their fourth location and first in Idaho on Walnut Avenue, across from the Gold Mine. Offering custom cowboy hats and boots, leather belts and jackets, and handcrafted silver belt buckles, there’s little doubt the store will be successful here in Sun Valley. Not only because of their world-class products, but also because of their stellar customer service.
“Where we really excel is the experience,” Brayden said. “We want people to walk out of here with a swagger in their steps.”
Burns since 1876 is located at 320 Walnut Ave in Ketchum and is open daily from 10am to 7pm. Find out more at Burns1876.com.
