Page 8 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2018- Online Magazine

HONORING J.T. & MARGARET

T ALKINGT ON

The Impact of Lives Well-Lived

AND THE EXAMPLE THEY SET FOR US ALL BY KITTY HARRIS WILKES, PH.D.

In each generation, there are couples to start her business in Lubbock. The result
who have made a lasting impact on was the establishment of Margaret’s, a
the people and the community in high-end, women’s specialty store that
which they have lived and worked. she both owned and operated for
The impact of lives well-lived almost 50 years.
- in their personal lives, in their
profession, in serving others Margaret’s served customers,
and in philanthropic endeavors not only from Lubbock, but
- sets an impressive example also throughout Texas and
for others to follow. the United States. It was
Margaret’s insistence on excellent
J.T. and Margaret Talkington personalized customer service
loved Lubbock, the South Plains that set her store apart from
and Texas. The result of that love, other specialty stores in America.
and their determination to make She retailed only the best lines of
the community a better place, was women’s clothing, cosmetics, shoes,
not only shown by their generosity but handbags, jewelry and accessories. She
by giving of their time and talents. They was skilled in marketing, in producing
truly have a distinguished legacy of a positive innovative and creative fashion shows and in
impact on an entire community. advertising her store. Her advertising tag line, “She’s a
Margaret’s Woman”, became an iconic slogan in Lubbock
Margaret Weed, a public-school teacher, married World as well as within the fashion industry.
War II Navy veteran and certified public account J.T.
Talkington in Fort Worth, Texas not long after the end Margaret built her business and became an award-winning
of World War II. Their marriage might have been fashion leader and nationally recognized owner and
considered unlikely, due to the intense collegiate rivalry operator of one of the top specialty stores in the United
in the Lone Star State between the University of Texas at States. At the same time, J. T. began strategic investing in
Austin Longhorns and the Texas A&M University Aggies. the Lubbock community in real estate, banking, and oil and
Margaret was a proud graduate of the University of Texas, gas ventures. Together, they built not only a successful
and J.T. was a Texas Aggie and graduate of Texas A&M. retail operation but also a business empire that yielded
impressive returns.
The young newlyweds moved from Fort Worth to Lubbock
in 1946 when the accounting firm that employed J.T. J.T. and Margaret worked closely together throughout their
wanted to expand into other markets in Texas. Margaret lives. Their strong work ethic and knowledge of business
was interested in a business endeavor of her own and and investments gave them the ability to enjoy life and
decided on becoming involved in the retail industry with travel to destinations worldwide. After J.T.’s death in
a ladies’ specialty store. She was naïve but energetic and 2005, Margaret kept a large map of the world, with colorful
went to New York City to start the process of establishing pushpins highlighting the locations throughout the world
business contacts and relationships, as well as to learn all where she and J.T. had traveled.
she could about fashion retailing. She learned how to write
orders, how to budget, and how to determine the right Margaret was an avid reader and lifelong learner,
balance of price points, inventory size, styles and colors. garnering a large collection of books throughout her
life. Another of her interests was music. In Junior High
Margaret also learned about financing and impressed School, she sang in the choir and played the violin. In
the people at Dunn & Bradstreet in New York with her relationships, Margaret was a trusted friend, prominent
knowledge and resolve. The staff of Dunn & Bradstreet business leader and mentor.
agreed to finance the purchase of the inventory she needed

8 Lubbock Senior Link