A few days ago I wrote a post about 773 Elmwood Avenue, where a longstanding gift shop location was transitioning hands. In the midst of the conversion, an old sign was uncovered which shed a light on a previous occupant of the building – Perfection Shoe Repair.
Since writing the piece, I have been contacted by a member of the cobbler’s family, who expressed thanks for sharing the discovery with readers.
“You brought joy and a sense of pride to a family whose roots are directly connected to this article,” wrote Gina LaPlante. “This building has been in my family for well over a hundred years. My great grandfather (pictured in the attached photo) is the original cobbler of The Elmwood Village (then just known as the West Side of Buffalo) who built Perfection Shoe Repair literally from the ground up. Uncovering that sign, complemented by your article about its history, has been a special and unexpected gift this week. Thank you for bringing an already close family even closer together.”
Growing up right around the corner from this spot, and owning a business for thirteen years on the street (Thunder Bay), I have still only ever known the current building that stands at 773 Elmwood. Gina’s email, and the attached photo of her great grandfather, was a real eye opener for me. Over the years my dad has told me a few things about various buildings and businesses on the street. I’m sure that Perfection Shoe Repair was one of his frequented stopovers back in the day. What a nice surprise to hear from a family member who still covets the memory of the building(s) and the business that occupied them!