Narrow 6-foot-wide shops New York – Shoe repair, smokes
Elia, my shoe repair man, has a 6’ wide store front on 72nd Street and the machines in it date from 1900. They look like small locomotives. The longer I look, the more interesting they become.
If you figure the operating costs per anything---day, year, or pair of shoes---those machines have to be really efficient.
Some of these locomotive-like machines have leather drive belts, shiny control handles, thick deposits of leather and fibre dust, beautifully inscribed or decalled brand names... they’re beautiful.
I’ve walked into many shops for a peek and sometimes, if he's willing to engage, the shopkeeper will tell me how he acquired them, where they came from, where he came from. Every story is an authentic New York story of immigration---bravery, dedication and tolerance, plus never-ending work.
I’ve never met a female shoe repair person in one of these shops, not in New York.
The stores are usually wedged between two huge buildings, whenever there is a narrow space separating them. And, New York is the only city I know that has so many. I guess there are enough New Yorkers who buy good quality, repairable shoes desiring to maintain rather than discard and buy new, to keep these guys busy.
Once you’ve noticed one or two, you will realize how many there are---because they are so narrow, they are easily overlooked. Pop your head into one and take a look!
Some are being 'gentrified', becoming cell phone repair shops.
About this spot
126 W 72nd St
- Variable
N/A:
US$
no-price
There’s so much more to discover
Discover more in New York
"A Great Day in Harlem" Site – Historic jazz site
"A Great Day in Harlem" is an important photo of 58 jazz greats taken in 1958 in NYC. The building on 126th Street where it was taken is still there...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Dive 75 – Quality trivia contests
"Dive 75" in NYC is a noteworthy sports bar for its Tuesday Night Trivia contests. Clientele is also big on board games, and the beer is relatively cheap!
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Caffé Dante – Negronis in the Village
"Caffé Dante" (est. 1915) is the closest we have to European caffes in New York City. I like coming here for aperitivo and pretending I'm in Rome!
By
Nick
Papa
Monumental Women – Central Park Monument Representing Real Women
"Monumental Women" has erected this monument in Central Park, NYC to especially important figures in the United States women's equality movement...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Lockwood – Unique Queens boutique
"Lockwood" in New York City's Queens is a boutique that specializes in home goods and chic gifts. My favorite thing about it is that they sell local things
By
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
Harry's Shoes – Old timey shoe store
"Harry's Shoes" New York is a huge shoe store. Apart from the 'X-ray' machines, everything else is just like it was when I was a child - extreme quality!
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
OK Cafe – Craft coffee
"OK Cafe" is really worth traveling across New York City to Astoria for. One of my favorites they make is the Lavender London Fog -- and the espresso soda!
By
Christian
Neely
Sylvan Terrace/Jumel Mansion – Sugar Hill
A visit to "Sylvan Terrace/Jumel Mansion" in Sugar Hill, New York should be combined with some exploration in the surrounding neighborhood...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Coppelia – Diner with a Cuban twist
"Coppelia" in New York is a diner with a Cuban and Latin American twist. Come between 4pm & 7pm on weekdays for cheap cocktails!
By
Craig
Nelson
Harlem Heritage Cultural Center – Culture/music
"Harlem Heritage Cultural Center" in New York City is noted for its immersive musical events & exposing visitors to what makes Harlem important & special.
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Lee Lee's Rugelach – Made by a Brotha' since 1964
"Lee Lee's Rugelach" in Harlem, New York, makes the best, fresh, warm, buttery, fruit-filled rugelach I've come across in the city...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Snug Harbor – Gardens, culture and more
"Snug Harbor" used to be a home for retired sailors in New York. Now it's a house museum and a community art center plus beautiful botanical garden...
By
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
Download our app now and know your way!
Our Spotters' Local Favorites Only. Skip the Tourist Traps.
Find Nearby Spots and Navigate with Ease
Save Your Favorites and See Them on the Map
Know your way in Art & culture and navigate with ease!
✓ Full access to 0 local favorites. Zero tourist highlights.
✓ Get to know our 0 Spotters and ♥ their recommendations.
✓ Save favorites and show them on the map.
