In 1887, August Ekdahl’s cobbler shop opened for business at 808 West Hillgrove. And, today, another shoe shop continues the tradition, just three doors west.

816 Hillgrove, built 1888

In 1881, August Ekdahl emigrated to the United States from Sweden. After working in a Chicago shoe store for five years, he moved to Western Springs. There, he built his own shoe store in 1887, the original of which is preserved as a museum, just behind the village’s main fire station. Business must have been good because in 1890 he built an even larger shop next door at 810 Hillgrove, which also still stands today.

While Ekdahl made shoes by hand, some of his letters found in the Western Springs Historical Society archives indicate that factory-produced shoes were becoming a major threat to his business. Despite this, Ekdahl was able to support his wife and four children and prospered until his death in 1909.

August Ekdahl circa 1890

Although the Historical Society’s records contain no mention of other shoe stores during the first half of the 20th century, in 1959 the Shoe Corral opened in the then-brand-new Garden Market Shopping Center.

The store had a decidedly western theme, including a pair of mounted Texas longhorns on the wall and a split rail fence, inside of which was a children’s play area featuring a circular, pedal-powered “pony” ride. And, manager Bill Weltin could always be seen wearing a western-style string tie.

In 1983, the Shoe Corral moved downtown to 813 Burlington. While the store always specialized in fitting children’s shoes, it also carried an extensive selection of both men’s and women’s shoes. But, as competition from larger stores became a greater problem, the store closed in 2002.

Competitive Foot Owners, 1979

In 1974, another shoe store opened at 814 Hillgrove, the Competitive Foot. But, this wasn’t your normal shoe store. It was Illinois’ first store devoted to selling nothing but athletic shoes. Owners Tyna and Tim Eggert reportedly had some doubts about whether such a store would catch on in the Midwest. But, just three years later they opened a second store in Oak Park.

Shoe Corral’s Bill Weltin, 1984

Shoe Corral Ad, 1977

Having operated for 38 years, the Eggerts have far eclipsed August Ekdahl’s tenure in the village. But, we are sure he would be proud to know that the shoe business lives on in Western Springs, just steps away from where he first began his trade.