The Shoemaker

We're very fortunate to have a real shoemaker in Bellingham. The back of Jorge's narrow shop is lined with machinery that looks as if it was made a long time ago, and built to last forever.

We've been taking our shoes in for repair since we moved here eight years ago, but had never had a conversation with Jorge until today. C was picking up her shoes, and suggested it might be a good blip opportunity if I went with her. I thought so, too.

At an art show a few years ago, we saw a most exquisite pair of handmade ladies' dress boots on display, and were surprised to find they'd been made by our shoemaker. I was hoping that Jorge would have them in his shop today, but when I asked him about them, he told us that they were a gift for someone, and meant to be worn. He assured us that they were not worn every day, only for special occasions.

Jorge did show us a couple of pairs of shoes that he'd made for his son when he was two years old -- see them here. His son is now twenty-two.

He was very happy to have his photo taken and to talk about his life. He was born in El Salvador in 1940, started learning to make shoes at the age of ten, and had his own business, with five employees, by the time he was eighteen. Jorge enjoys going to work every day and is a very happy, contented man. We really enjoyed our visit with him and appreciate his skills. He is a true craftsman.