Wheeler’s Shoe Store, where worn shoes were reborn

Many local kids of a certain age can well remember visiting Wheeler’s Shoe Store in the 100 block of W. Daugherty St. for a pair of new shoes or for the repair of worn ones.

Mr. Wheeler was a craftsman at shoe repair. He extended the life and improving the appearance of countless boots and shoes. The large pile of damaged shoes on his workroom floor left by customers may have given one pause as to whether or not he would ever find his own pair on pick-up day, but they were always done, gleaming with new life.

William M. Wheeler was born Feb. 11, 1894.  He and his wife, Gladys, lived many years in Webb City where they operated their Wheeler Shoe Store at 103-105-107 W. Daugherty St. Tom Wheeler, a great-nephew (Webb City High School, Class of ’68), recalls that his Uncle Bill was far more than an ordinary shoe cobbler. In fact, along with his brother Virgil, who operated a shoe store around the corner in the 200 block of N. Main Street, Bill was a true craftsman.  He could build a shoe or boot from the bottom up by tooling the leather, making the sole, and customizing it for a customer’s specific need, including special orthopedic fittings.

Mr. Wheeler passed away in January 1977, his craftsmanship and personal service lost to his many customers he had served for decades from his shoe store on Daugherty Street.