One of the many fascinating exhibits at the 1885 Depot Museum is showcasing the cobbler’s tools of the trade. The typical cobbler’s bench found its way into many living rooms after the cobbler went out of business; It makes for a perfect coffee table! However, the cobbler sat on one end of the bench while they made and repaired shoes. The exhibit explains the difference between a cobbler and a cordwainer (one who made shoes from new leather). In a time when most of our shoes are made of artificial materials from China, it is interesting to see how it has been done for centuries before us. Of course, a hundred years ago here in Florida, many children went to school barefoot, so there probably weren’t many cobblers around!
The Depot Museum is located at 70 Russell Street and is open on Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 3 pm.
