- In order to escape the
doldrums of a bureaucratic research postion with the federal
government in Washington,DC, Alan McKinnon started a small leather
shop in March of 1969 near the Eastern Market on Capitol Hill.
He was soon joined by Ann Marie. The shop’s origins in the
late sixties set the tone in the early days: sandals, floppy
hats, visors, wide belts and other hippie delights. During the
bicentennial year of 1976, the McKinnons moved their family and
business to Damariscotta, Maine. Most shops from that era are
gone and most that survived simply sell manufactured goods, but
Alan and Ann Marie continue to produce at least half of what
they sell.
Over the years the McKinnons have developed an expertise in fine
leather work. The crude construction and styling of the 60's
and 70's has evolved into finished leather bags, cases, appointment
books, briefcases, small accessories, and belts. They love custom
orders…they relieve the tedium of production work. Among
the numerous special orders completed are leather battery packs
for geographic explorations, special equipment for handicapped
folks, saddlebags for motorcyclists and equestrians, straps for
antique automobiles, bindings for snowshoes, briefcases and portfolios
for lawyers and professors, medical bags for doctors, and copies
of old favorite heirlooms.
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