By Norma Dittman
Murray County News staff writer
Lois Elskamp has announced that she is permanently closing Elskamp Shoe Repair due to health reasons. Elkamp Shoe Repair has been located at 106 N. St. Paul Avenue for many years. The business celebrated it’s 100 anniversary on Saturday, June 15, 2019.
The business had its beginning in February of 1919 by Lois’ father-in-law, Fred, along with his brother Walt. They were following in the footsteps of their grandfather, Joseph, who had begun the first Elkamp’s shop in Merrill, Iowa, during the late 19th Century. At one time, 12 Elskamp’s Shoe Repair shops were scattered across the United States and were well-known for the harnesses that they made.
Lois was one of thirteen children in the Voss family that lived on a farm by Avoca. After graduating from Slayton High School, she took a job at Rupert’s Cafe in Fulda. She walked from the south side of the lake to work and then walked home each night. During that time, she wore out her shoes so she took them to Elskamp’s for repair. Phil told her he was too busy to repair her shoes, but would show her how to do it.
The following year, Phil and Lois were married.
Phil had begun working in the Fulda shop to help his dad when he was ten to twelve years of age. Fred passed away in 1955 and Phil took over the shop. As harnesses went out due to tractors coming in, Elskamp Shoe Repair began making binder canvases, and then combine canvases.
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