Here's to the "unsung hero." The maintenance worker, crossing guard, delivery person, waiter, musician, bricklayer, chef, etc. Cheers to those who take pride in their work every single time.
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Upon reading about this sort of person, I sometimes mull over the ostentatious "Times 100" awards that are showcased yearly, and wonder why not include those people like "brilliant shoe-repair man" who are outstanding in their 24/7/365, not flashy, not PR'd, just kind of ordinarily extraordinary.
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"I do," he said.
And then you were married.
6
Very nice. Thanks.
5
The man is an artist!
9
Id be interested to know where the shoemaker was raised? But that's another story...
6
Can you reveal the shoe-repair man's name, Jerome, or the name of his shop so that others may enjoy his first-rate services?
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Jerome — Please tell us the name of this place and where it is.
10
Couldn't you please let us know the name and location of this fabulous craftsman?
10
"I do," he said.
And then you were married...
2
I really loved your story, Jerome. The shoe-repair man made it worth your while to return home to retrieve the soiled shoe’s mate.
What a coincidence that your Diary entry about the “Genius of Shoes” appeared the same day that President Trump referred to himself as a “stable genius.”
7
I love his pride in workmanship!
10
It's not often I recommend any product to anyone but given the nature of this piece I'll make an exception:
Next time your suede shoes are scuffed, soiled, or otherwise filthied up (salted from ice and snow), try Lincoln E-Z Cleaner, about 9$ for an 8oz bottle (which I'm guessing your shoe guy used.) Lather in with a toothbrush, dry overnight, and then brush with a wire brush. Good as new and you'll save the fortune your shoe guy charged.
4
Jerome, thank you for this letter. Now, would you mind sharing the name of the shop?
11
Thank you for a Diary entry Jerome that took me right back to the shoe repair shop on Cooper Street I went to in the fifties growing up in Inwood. The constant whirring of the array of belts and pulleys, the three cubicles with swinging doors where one could sit while new heels or half-soles were being affixed without revealing the hole in one’s sock, the muscular shoe repairman in his apron with a row
of nails held between his lips. But surely the best thing about your story was the glimpse of a craftsman with strong pride in his work and the self-esteem to want to produce excellent results, the art of an ancient craft being practiced and preserved.
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The word Mr. Share, is artisan...the way, seemingly archaic now, it was used when local craftsman made and repaired locally. Louisville, KY has just one such shop on Bonnycastle off Bardstown Road with a wiry Italian fellow, when IO was growing up in '50's. Note that all those belts and pulleys were dangerous and wouldn't now be allowed by OSHA.
4
Agree! Can someone post who this shoe artist is - or suggest someone in NYC with this level of engagement and pride and skill? Thank you!
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Allen J. Share: Oh how I wish it were still here now. The little shop on 207 does a good job, but it's nothing like that. (I remember similar shoe repair shops in Flushing.)
4