Governor Greg Abbott spoke Friday night at the Fort Worth Stockyards at a ceremony honoring the Cavender family, founders of western wear chain Cavender’s, with the Star of Texas Award.
The Texas Historical Foundation has a mission of preserving the history of Texas by “conserving artifacts, restoring buildings, archiving documents, gathering and sharing stories, and safeguarding Lone Star culture.” Created by the 53rd Legislature in 1953, the organization has provided $1.62 million in taxpayer-funded grants to over 300 projects in the state.
Every two years, the Texas Historical Foundation recognizes people or organizations for their portrayal of the state’s past and contributions to its future. The 2023 award was presented to the Cavender family, founders of the western wear retailer that began in Pittsburg, Texas.
With 95 stores spanning 14 states, Cavender’s has become one of the biggest western wear retailers in the U.S. The Texas Historical Foundation believes the Cavender family reflects the Lone Star state’s lifestyle and spirit through their entrepreneurial endeavors.
Governor Greg Abbott presented the award to the Cavender family following brief remarks discussing their importance to the State of Texas. Abbott opened his remarks by quoting famous figures who have spoken or written about the state.
Quoting author John Steinbeck, Abbott said, “I have said that Texas is a state of mind, but I think it’s far more than that. It is a mystique closely approximating a religion. For all of its enormous range of space, climate, and physical appearance and for all the internal squabbles, contentions, and strivings, Texas has a tight cohesiveness, perhaps stronger than any other section of America. Rich, poor, Panhandle, Gulf, city, country, Texas is the obsession, the proper study, and the passionate possession of all Texans.”
Abbott said the Cavender family has demonstrated the entrepreneurial spirit that has helped Texas become the great state it is today.
“People like the Cavenders, who have preserved and perpetuated our rich Texas history, they tap into the entrepreneurial spirit that is the soul of Texas,” said Abbott. “The Cavender family embodies the Texas values that allowed a small western wear store in East Texas to go on to form an influential and successful business with almost a hundred stores across the country.”
Governor Abbott then presented the award to Mike, Joe, Clay, and Traci Cavender. Joe expressed his thanks and gratitude toward everyone who had been a part of their company and worked with the family.
“I have had the chance to work with a lot of people in the industry, our company, vendors, and it’s been a great experience, very rewarding,” said Joe Cavender in his acceptance speech. “I can’t thank y’all enough.”
Mike Cavender followed Joe’s speech and said the family has been fortunate to work in an industry as special as western wear.
“In this very special western way of life, we’ve been so fortunate to sell a few cowboy boots and meet so many wonderful people across this great state and country,” said Mike. “Dedicated and hardworking associates, so many loyal customers, and the vendor community. You can’t find a better industry in which to work.”