The Roberts E. Storey room
Cadmus McCall and T.B. Wilkes established the Nocona Leather Goods Co. in 1926, making handbags, wallets and belts. But the Great Depression hit the leather industry hard and McCall hired his son-in-law, Roberts E. Story, in 1933 to lead the company in a new direction. It soon flourished, manufacturing sporting equipment for school districts - everything from baseball gloves to leather football helmets. The Company changed its name to Nocona Athletic Goods, and soon was making the iconic Nokona baseball glove, used by collegiate and professional athletes and still manufactured today - the last 100% American handcrafted ball glove. Factory tours are offered Mondays and Fridays at the Company's building on Clay Street.
Roberts Storey was also instrumental in changing the game of football. In 1934 SMU coach Mattey Bell and TCU coach Leo "Dutch" Meyer wanted a football more conducive for a passing game. The first pointed-end football like we use today was designed by Storey and manufactured here in Nocona.
Roberts Storey was also instrumental in changing the game of football. In 1934 SMU coach Mattey Bell and TCU coach Leo "Dutch" Meyer wanted a football more conducive for a passing game. The first pointed-end football like we use today was designed by Storey and manufactured here in Nocona.
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