Day: May 16, 2022

On Christmas Eve 1956, fire destroyed the Wooden Shoe Factory and Wooden Shoe Restaurant, newly relocated along the U.S.-31 bypass at 16th Street. After the fire, owner Chester Van Tongeren rebuilt the factory. Inside, he put a large souvenir and gift shop, and a country store which sold baked goods, candy, cheese and fudge.Schutz Shoes For a quarter, tourists could get a tour and see Fred Oldemulders and another wooden shoe carver, Gerald Ten Brink, at work. Tourists could also purchase wooden shoes, most of which were made by machines, and have them engraved for free. Delwyn, Chester’s son, managed the operation. Ralph VanderVeen worked as general maintenance person and machine operator. Van Tongeren complemented the factory by leasing adjacent lots to other businesses: The Wood...

Gray skies did not put a damper on the festive atmosphere at Westminster City Park Saturday as more than 100 people gathered in support of Rape Crisis Intervention Service of Carroll County’s Walk a Mile in Their Shoes fundraiser. Wearing a variety of shoes, from the event’s signature red stilettos to red flats, platform shoes and leopard heels, men of all ages hobbled down Westminster’s Main Street as cars honked, people waved and cameras flashed. “We’ll see how many steps these shoes last,” said Brian Frazier, as he shifted his weight from foot to foot. “I can do a mile in these.” Devon Lesniack made it about halfway through the walk when he stepped aside to change shoes. “They’re just the wrong size,” Lesniack said, as someone yelled, “Good effort, man!” Saturday ma...