Washington Shoe Company celebrates 130 years by giving back to the community
To celebrate their 130th birthday, the Washington Shoe Company is giving back to the communities that have supported them for generations. Author: Chris Cashman Updated: 7:16 PM PST January 14, 2021
Seattle is known for coffee, music, tech and, of course, rain but it’s also home to Washington state’s first-ever shoe brand.
It was 130 years ago this month that the Washington Shoe Company was born. On Jan. 24, 1891, the company started by making boots under the name Western Chief. That brand grew quickly in popularity during the Alaska Gold Rush. Henry Moehring took ownership in 1911 and the business is still family-owned and operated with the fourth generation now at the helm.
‘Reach Out and Touching Lives’,
With their Search and Rescue Van,
Volunteers feeding, housing (in Hope House)
And clothing the abandoned, hopeless and homeless.
Shrouded in their hoodies, huddled together in the cold,
Their begging bowls and cups outstretched.
Now in their 60’s, stand in small groups
Outside The Mission, surviving on hand-outs,
Eating breakfast buns and drinking steaming coffee.
Escaped from the harsher prejudices in the Deep South cities
Or from lost jobs in the ground down industries
By Lake Michigan, Lake Huron and Lake Erie.
Or alcohol red, West coast Indians,
Battered & bruised, once looking for jobs,
Now incapable of looking,