George greeted me with his usual smile, ushered me up onto the shoe bench as he got out the tin and rag, his long fingers deft and surprisingly unstained.
“You still got any shoes with me?” he said, peering up. “I know I had those oxfords.”
“No, you finished them last month.” I looked at the wall crowded with pictures, framed clippings, awards. George and the mayor, George and the governor, George and the chief of police. Everybody came here for a shine. “How long has it been again?”
“I been doing this seventy years,” he said. “Long enough.”
This story is inspired by George Manias, who has run a shoeshine and hat cleaning store in downtown Peoria since 1948. Unlike this story, George’s is still open. He wants to make 75. I think he’ll make it.
Long enough to be assured he will be missed when he is gone. It’s reassuring to have a fixture like that in the crazy world today.
Sweet story. For some people, no matter what their job, it’s of vital significance t them.
Dear Josh,
I truly love this story. I can imagine George and even smell the shoe polish. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Well, if you are ever in Peoria he is right there
I’m always a sucker for stories about shoe-shine guys.
Here is a perfect case of loving what you do and being proud in doing it well.
Go George!
That’s beautifully constructed and paced, Josh. I loved it.
This is lovely. Realistic. He must have been the original Chattanooga Shoeshine Boy :)
Another “institution” gone. A very believable story.
All true
George is sort of a celebrity shoe shine man.
What a great slice of true life.
Wow, that was an awesome ‘true’ story.
I enjoyed this lovely tale very much. Here’s hoping for seventy-five years for him.
Wow! Nice story but the true story of George in the link was amazing. I am sure there is technology that provides a better shoe shine but it will never have that human touch that George and his ilk provide. I hope he makes it to seventy five years.
Hi s work has brought him into contact with so many. Maybe just another year more? Lovely story.
Lovely tale, I hope he does make it to 75
Gorgeous slice of life & George is very likable.