Tri-Counties Genealogy & History by Joyce M. Tice Historic Businesses of the Tri-Counties Dunham's Department Store Bradford County PA Chemung County NY Tioga County PA

Business: Dunham's Department Store Township: Wellsboro Borough  Year: 2005 Wellsboro Gazette 21 MAR 2005 Tri-County Genealogy & History Sites Home Page How to Use This Site Warning & Disclaimer Wellsboro Page MORE Tri-Counties Businesses No Unauthorized Commercial Use Say Hello to Joyce

Joyce's Search Tip - January 2008 Do You Know that you can search just the Business pages of the site  by using the Business button in the Partitioned search engine at the bottom of the Current What's New Page? You will also find extensive business information in the Directory section.

"A carnation for the lady, cigar for the gents, candy for the kiddies..." as the old poem goes.
The atmosphere was much the same as it was 100 years ago as Dunham's launched a celebration to commemorate 100 successful years in business Saturday, March 19, at their store in Wellsboro.

Dunham's Department store also marked the auspicious occasion with a ribbon cutting ceremony. A business that has been operation in the same location for a century is something to celebrate for the town of Wellsboro, or any town for that matter. Welcoming the group of assembled citizens was owner John Dunham, as he kicked off the ceremony by sharing a short history of the family-owned business. Following his speech, his wife Nancy also shared her thanks to the crowd before introducing Mary Worthington, executive director of the Wellsboro Chamber of Commerce. Worthington spoke briefly about the relationship the Dunham's family has in the community, and the consistent friendship with the Chamber. Ending her brief dissertation, she wished the local business "success for the next 100 years."

Introduced next was Pennsylvania state representative Matthew Baker who spoke warmly about both the Dunham family and the long-standing business. Baker commented, "They are a great representation of the town," and "an honor to have in the community. To measure the success of the business, look at the name above the business." Considering that one's name is everything, the Baker pointed out how the Dunham's name "stands for integrity," and remains steadfast on the front of the building. Congratulating the family on their success, Baker next read a citation from the House of Representatives. The Dunham's daughter, Ann Dunham-Rawson, introduced three loyal 50-year veteran employees to cut the ribbon.

Ruth Neal, Betty Mallow and Betty Davis, resplendent in matching red outfits, had the honor of clipping the ribbon in front of the store as the excited crowd cheered them on.

Celebrating a "Century of Service," many giveaways were awarded to the Saturday shoppers including daffodils to all women, balloons to children and various mementoes to all. Complimentary beverages and donuts in the coffee shop were offered after the ceremony, as eager guests and shoppers lined up outside Dunham's doors.

Eager to save 20 percent on purchases throughout Saturday, shoppers were also treated to many special savings. Shoppers also had the opportunity to register for several drawings, including the chance to receive an exclusive Boyd's Bear "Daffodils R. Hope" representing the ACS Daffodil Days. Musical entertainment was provided by the "Barbershop Quartet" along with "Spare Parts Dixieland Jazz Band."
 

The long and cherished history of the Dunham's family and business originated in 1905 when Roy and Fannie Dunham arrived in Wellsboro and contributed half of the interest to purchase a grocery store in the center of town. Basing their professional creed on the motto of "our family serving your family," the business is built on family tradition and legacy. Beginning as a humble grocery store, the variety of goods sold within the doors soon grew to encompass dry goods, household items, hardware, clothes, shoes and farm supplies. Rebuilding and expanding the business after an unfortunate fire in 1913 that severely damaging the store; the original entrepreneurs Roy and Fannie reinforced their commitment to serve the community. Continuing to run the business with the same values and courteous service that the store was founded on 100 years ago, the Dunham's family strives to maintain excellence and tradition.The business remains successful due to its ability to adapt, as well as remaining community-oriented.

Copyright © 2005 Wellsboro Gazette
25 East Avenue, Wellsboro, PA 16901
 

Tri-Counties Genealogy & History by Joyce M. Tice Historic Businesses of the Tri-Counties Wellsboro Shoe Hospital Bradford County PA Chemung County NY Tioga County PA

Wellsboro Shoe Hospital (Louis & Vera Jurkow Syracuse, owners)
By Betty Frazler
Cobbler! Most people today would associate the word with a dessert, apple, berry or peach. Very few remember “cobbler” as an artisan of a craft almost lost in the advance of time.
There was a time when cobblers played an important part in the lives of all who dressed their feet with wearing apparel known as shoes.
The head of the house, way back when in the good old days was in charge of cobbling the shoes for their family and it was a craft as important as any of the other tasks performed by the family members. Long before crafts became popular as they are today, they were a necessity of daily living.
There was usually a village cobbler who not only repaired but made shoes by hand, cutting shaping, and assembling the parts. Much of the shaping required a “last”, a wooden or metal form shaped like a human foot. The last was attached to a bench which held the tools and the cobbler as well.
There were very few low cut shoes as seen today. Even dress shoes were ankle high and many of them were fastened with buttons, thus “high buttoned” shoes. These required a hook to secure the buttons. Buckles, laces and today’s velcro eventually replaced buttons.
But as with everything, time makes many changes. With so many synthetics replacing the need for leather; cobblers have all but disappeared. Only now and then will you find a shoe repair shop.
For Vera Syracuse of Wellsboro, a very sprightly lady, the clean fragrance of leather opens the door of nostalgia for she worked for many years along side her husband, Louis, in his operation of the Wellsboro Shoe Hospital.
Both Louie and Vera has experience in the shoe industry when they resided in Rochester, NY. Vera had been with the Utz-Dunn-Conel shoe-making factory prior to her marriage, and before moving to Wellsboro in 1930 had been employed by Eastman Kodak.
Vera said, “Louie started as an apprentice in the shoe repair business and following their marriage on Sept. 6, 1929, he was encouraged to open his own business.”
Louie came to Wellsboro, liked it, and found there was a need for such business, much more than in the city where so many repair shops were in operation.
He came to Wellsboro alone at first and lived in what many long-time residents know to be the Ashley House on upper East Ave.
Ashley was in the shoe business with Joe Mertz in what is now the Bulas Jewelry Store. In a short time, Louie was established in his venture at the rear of Mertz Shoe Store and would become a well-respected Main Street business.
“Louie was a very shy person,” said Vera, “explaining he had grown up, the only boy in a family of seven sisters.” It would appear that he was outnumbered in girlish conversation, which may have accounted for his shyness.
Vera said, “I was the only girl he had ever dated.”
As time changed the face of Main Street, Louie moved his business up the street next to The Wellsboro Agitator. When the Agitator closed its doors, The Wellsboro Gazette moved in and became the Syracuse’s new neighbors.
Today the store is part of Davis Furniture Store. It had been Lush’s Furniture Store in the early days of the Wellsboro Shoe Hospital.
Louie had the most modern machines available which he leased from United Shoe Co., Johnson City, NY. He spent long hours in the fine art of gluing and pressing, making the old look and wear like new.
“Our daughter, Lorraine, was born shortly after moving to Wellsboro, and after she was in school I went to work for the Corning Glass Works,” Vera said. “However, Louie was working from 6 am to 11 pm and we decided after about two years I would leave the factory and help him.”
“I waited on customers, did the leather sewing, shoes, gym bags, luggage, and handbags. Louie did all the intricate shoe repair work.”
“In those days,” she added, “soles and heels for men’s shoes were $3.50 a pair and about $2 to $2.50 for ladies.” Today they run about $25.
“We had about 500 customers drawing from an area of about 10,000 people. The Senior Mr. Eberle of Eberle Tannery, Westfield, always let Louie go in the workplace and select his own leather and was happy to make sure that Louie always got prime leather,” she remarked.
“Louie loved his work and he made his shoes with a natural flexibility, which added to the comfort of newly repaired shoes,” she said proudly. “We also sold Red Wing work shoes from a supple catalog.”
“I can remember we had a local mute boy who worked for us for about five or six years. He had learned the shoe repair business at a trade school and his mother came to see us to ask if we would hire him. Louie was a little reluctant at first as he was so busy and didn’t know it he would have the time to train him. He did, however, and this young man became very good help for us. He married and left the area, and we missed him. We communicated by writing our instructions for him and it worked out very well.”
During the war, leather went into the manufacture of army boots, and because of the shortage more people had their old shoes repaired.
In the depression years a new idea emerged which possibly was the forerunner of the “do it yourself” home permanents, home shoe repair kits. Made from rubber, one had only to cut, shape, and then glue a piece to the shoe. Very inexpensive, they were a boon to those who might have otherwise been reduced to using cardboard in their shoes to cover the holes.
New shoes were a very special treat and were kind of a status symbol. The proud owner of new shoes could be compared to owning a new car in today’s era. Many kids went barefoot during the summer months and shoes were reserved for Sunday best and special occasions. New shoes at the beginning of the school year were on the same level as a new bonnet for Easter. What people pay for a pair of sneakers today would have outfitted the feet of several children in the families of yesteryear.
“Louie died in 1955, a young man compared to today’s standards,” Vera said. “I advertised the business in an out-of-town paper, and Alex Rustomian took over the operation. However, he was severely injured in an accident and once again the shop was without an operator.”
“Eventually the business was sold to Frank Letawa of Blossburg and I continued to help him for about 16 years, working three days a week. Ill health forced him to sell the business.”
“Our daughter never worked in the shop for us. For awhile after she graduated from college, she taught school in Elmira, NY. Her husband, who got his start at The Wellsboro Agitator, is today a printer at Cornell University. They reside in Chemung, NY.”
Vera lives in the home which she and Louie bought many years ago and loved. She rents the upstairs and has had many, many very wonderful tenants during the years. Never idle, she does beautiful needlework which fills her home to overflowing, though she is a very generous giver. Her home is filled with very healthy plants which shows she has a proficient green thumb.
Vera spends part of nearly every day enjoying the company of those who find so much pleasure and companionship as the Hospitality House and is considered one of its most valued volunteers.
She also loved to travel. Her energy, cheerful outlook on life and her sunny disposition make her a very popular addition to wherever she is. They apparently reflect the happy days when she worked alongside her husband, Louie, the cobbler!
 

Mansfield Gazette, 15 March 2006 Vera Syracuse celebrated her 100th birthday on Friday, March 10 (2006) at The Green Home, with a cake provided by friends from St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church in Wellsboro. Also joining the group were her daughter, Lorraine Talbot, and son-in-l;aw Charles Talbot of Chemung, NY. Syracuse was born the daughter of Jacy and Mary JURKOW in Austria. she was married to the late Louis Syracuse, with whom she operated the Wellsboro Shoe Hospital for many years. "I want to thank you all for doing this," said Vera, who also worked at the Wellsboro Senior Center for many years, as she wiped tears from her eyes at Friday's party. "It's so unexpected."

Bradford County PA Chemung County NY Tioga County PA

Published On Tri-Counties Site On 25 MAR 2005 By Joyce M. Tice Email Joyce M .Tice You are the visitor since the counter was installed on 25 MAR 2005