The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-05-17
Boot and Shoe MANUFACTURING,

Is oHt vi tiic ulOSL liApOI-
tant branches in our city. A few years ago
the extent of the boot and shoe business was
to manufacture to measure, for the people OF
the city and immediate vicinity, with two or
three wholesale stores and a limited number
of establishments where boots and shoes
could be found, ready m ade. Thirty years
ago dealer whose sales reached $1,000
year hardly dared to mention the amount
aloud for fear his word would be doubted.
Then sheep skins were sent to Massachu-
sets to be dressed, the shoes were there cut
out and returned to this state to be sewed and
made up, then sent back to Lynn or some
other Massachusetts, town to receive their
finishing touches and boxed for the market,
AMI then came back to this state to be worn,
the consumer being charged, in the price he
must pay for them, four freights, In addition
to the cost of stock and manufacturing Now
the skins can be tanned and dressed and the
shoes manufactured in this state, not only
for our own people but for the people of other
states.
Those who have a curiosity to see some
thing of what is done ia the shoe business in
this city, should stand on the corner of Middle
and Union streets some pleasant day aud
watch the movements in front of Smiths
Block, on Union ST., or rather Shoe Manu-
facturers Block, as it should be called, and
notice the dray loads of leather going and
coming, and the large number of boxes of
shoes and boots that are constantly being re-
ceived and delivered.
The North store is occupied by Messrs.
Breed & Turkey, where will be found all the
various articles used in manufacturing kid,
morocco, cloth and other kinds of boots and
shoes. Four or five men are constantly en-
ployed in filling orders for stock and receiv-
ing the manufactured goods. These shoes are
manufactured in different parts of the state,
and demand for them is found in nearly all
our large towns and cities. Their sales can
not fall short of quarter of million dol
lars annually. They also have morocco
mandatory on Portland street where ten or
twelve men are constantly employed.
The South store is occupied by Messrs. c.
J. Walker IL Co., who are also extensively
engaged in the boot, shoe and leather trade,
the shoe manufacturing business. For several
years they manufactured their shoes in the
building, but more recently they supply man
ufacturers with the stock and receive OF them
in return their shoes and boots. Their stock
OF leather, as well as of boots and shoes, is
generally large, embracing every variety.
Their upper leather is mainly obtained in this
state, while the most of their sole leather is
purchased in New York. Their sales will
exceed two hundred thousand dollars a
year. their business each year steadily increas-
ing.
A portion Of the second and third stories
over the store of the Messrs. Walker & Co.
is now occupied by Messrs. X. l.. Morse &
They commenced business in this city
about ionr years ago, and have been gradually
increasing until their sales in this city ana in
Kentucky, where they have wholesale and
retail store, will amount to $4,000 or 100000,
year. Their business Is now done by selling
the stock and taking the shoes in return, in
stead of manufacturing in the building they
occupy, enabling them to do large business
with less care and perplexity. Mr.. Morse is
a practical shoe manufacturer aud under
stands thoroughly every department of the
business.
The second story over Messrs. Breed &
Tukey's store, is occupied by Messrs. Wal
den d Caldwell, who are engaged in manu-
featuring principally ladies', misses and chill
dren's cloth, morocco and kid boots and
shoes. They are industrious, enterprising
men, attending personally TO their business,
and have secured an extensive trade Their
sales amount to some 100000 year.
In the third story are Messrs. NJ. & G. II.
Walden, who are engaged in making shoes
and boots of every description. They have
one OF Blake's patent sole sewing machines,
with the aid of which 10 men can get out
250 pairs OF heavy sewed shoes in day. 1t
is contended that If the work is carefully done
it is no more liable TO rip than if the sewing
were done by hand. This machine, which
costs about $500, must eventually lessen the
expense of manufacturing shoes, as it will do
the work of four men. A boot or shoe can
be sewed by skilful operator in 80 seconds.
pair of heavy double-soled Balmorals, can
be made from the rough by one man, in an
hour, large proportion Of the work formerly
done by hand, being now done by machinery
This enterprzing firm is prepared to do any
part of the boot and shoe making in the best
manner, and at the lowest rates.
The business now done in that block is not
far from $4,000 annually, giving employ
ment to 200 or 300 persons.