The Shoe Cobbler

I took a visit to the local shoe cobbler recently...my first time since we moved to this town. His shop is tiny, but full. He is also tiny, and old.

Which made me wonder: who takes over when he's gone? I actually looked up "shoe cobbler schools" online, only to find a a gross shortage of them. Our western society has become very fond of disposable riches, and many people would rather donate, or throw away, what could be easily repaired. There are those of us who believe that talented craftspeople often repair to a standard of "better than new", and that quality items are worth keeping.

I would think that this would be a recession-proof career opportunity for anyone with the business sense to start it up. Apprenticeship possibilities abound, and, I suspect, many "old cobblers" would love to hand over their business, if only they were assured that their community would be serviced by another caring cobbler.

The one in my town has been at it for most of his adult life. He probably knows everyone in town, their parents and their kids.

Just wanted to pay him a little tribute for his skills.