Children's Clothing
Our Story
The Samsons
The Beginning - West Lafayette | EST 1982
In October of 1982, along the banks of the Wabash River at Fort Ouiatenon near West Lafayette, Indiana, Jack Samson set up his wedge tent for the first time as a business, selling at the Feast of the Hunters' Moon. He and his son, Bob Samson were introduced to leatherwork a few years prior during their membership with Troop 1 of the Boy Scouts of America Crossroads of America Council in Indianapolis.
This annual event was the birth of a business, selling his leather jacks under the name "Jack's Jacks", a play on his name and the colloquial term for leather drinking vessel.
Jack's Shoe Repair - Indianapolis | 1986
After many years of doing leatherwork inside his home on the East side of Indianapolis, Jack had the opportunity to move into the former Charlie's Shoes store when it came up for sale in 1986 in the 5600 block of E Washington St.
Lions and tigers and shoes - oh my!
Word began to spread of their unique craft and skillset, capturing the attention of local and regional publications including the Indianapolis Business Journal. This story, published in July of 1990, quoted Jack,
like father like son
Jack and Bob continued to do leatherwork and shoe repair after Bob graduated high school.
The rhythm of my heart, beating like a drum | 1990
Bob met Darla in 1990 outside of his shoe repair shop in downtown Lebanon Indiana located in the Heflin Building. Coincidentally, the current shop and store front is one block north on Meridian Street.
A third Generation | 1992
At the young age of only 8 months old, Casey attended his first event, appropriately at "The Feast of the Hunters' Moon" in 1992.
A Family Affair | 2000
Pictured here, Casey Bob and Nick at an event in 2000. Both Bob and Nick continue to work for the family business in multiple capacities. Bob continued to family business as "The Gentle Craftsman".
The start of a New Chapter | 2012
In 2012, Casey invited Abbie to her first event - Feast of the Hunters' Moon. Little did they both know; this was just the beginning of their lives together. It is also here and then that the business would be formally operate as Samson Family Leather, LLC.
First Christmas in the Store | 2014
Samson moved into our current storefront in October of 2014. After many long evenings discussing the risks and opportunities, we decided to take the leap and move into 119 North Meridian.
On the Banks of the Wabash | Vincennes Indiana | 2015
In late May of 2015, Casey proposed to Abbie on the banks of the Wabash at the Spirit of Vincennes Living History event in Vincennes, Indiana.
The fourth generation | 2015
Born into living history, Payton attended her first event at a mere 2 months old in 2016. Payton's favorite historic place to visit is the home of Mr. George Washington - Mount Vernon.
Fun Fact: Her desire for a mascot for the children's clothing line was the inspiration for George the Lion.
Samson historical | 2017
Wanting to supply the reenacting and living history world with quality products and increased options, Casey & Abbie took another giant leap, rebranded, and established Samson Historical.
Creating a logo, brand guidelines, a 5 year business plan, and a ever growing list of goals, Samson Historical bloomed into a leading supplier of 18th century goods in the United Stated.
Onward and Upward
Samson Historical continues to advance by preserving historical material culture and producing authentic period clothing and accessories. Our commitment to quality and accuracy helps history enthusiasts, reenactors, living historians, productions and others vividly experience the past, ensuring that historical appreciation continues to grow.
We are eagerly anticipating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America and the resurgence of interest in the nation's history. We are committed to providing the highest quality period clothing and accessories, ensuring that this milestone celebration is both authentic and memorable for history enthusiasts and reenactors alike.