Laird Schober Shoes, a women’s and children’s shoe company, has been in business in Philadelphia for nearly 100 years. It was established by three young entrepreneurs in 1870. They began their own small production, which gradually but steadily expanded. Throughout its existence, the firm has established itself as a quality guarantor, receiving several prestigious awards. We will tell you more about its history at philadelphianka.
Preconditions for the establishment of the shoe business
In the mid-1800s, the textile industry was actively developing in Philadelphia. New factories were being erected in the city, jobs were being created and there were plenty of market niches for anyone who wanted to establish their own business. For example, in 1885, John Graham established a clothing and upholstery factory, as well as separate sales rooms.
He inherited the business from his father and was able to expand it, so he began construction of a new factory. The entrepreneur ran the business with his sister, who analyzed consumer needs and fashion trends at the time. Graham directly managed production at the factory, which was designed specifically for textile manufacturing.
In 1891, a new enterprise emerged near this textile factory. It was a shoe factory that Samuel Laird, his son-in-law George Schober and their friend George Mitchell had established in the city two decades earlier. Their joint venture was originally located at 1133 Arch Street. Due to the increase in demand, they, like their colleague Graham, decided to build a new factory next to the textile manufacturing facility.
The new building, like the neighboring one, was designed by the architectural firm Geisinger and Hale. As a result, the two factories appeared nearly identical. Both structures were five stories tall, with heavy timber frames and brick cladding. They looked quite stylish and suited the area. In 1978, they were even added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Unfortunately, the structures were eventually demolished after the businesses stopped operating there. However, there are still photographs, memories and success stories of entrepreneurs at the end of the nineteenth century.
Company development
What was the success story behind the Philadelphia shoe company? Samuel Laird served as the company’s founder and main driving force. His first partners were George Schober, Samuel’s son-in-law and their common friend George Mitchell. The trio was later joined by the founder’s younger brother, John.
In 1875, they partnered with a young designer named William Duling. Since then, the company has experienced significant growth. Duling actively worked to improve the range and quality of its goods, which resulted in increased demand for the company’s products. The company was able to grow to offer its products in the national market and quickly became known for the great quality and comfort of its shoes.
In 1891, entrepreneurs established a new factory. In production, they innovated and added new machines, such as:
- the McKay, which sewed 100 pairs of soles on women’s shoes in an hour
- the Reese Buttonholer, which made 100,000 buttonholes per week
- manual labor was also used, and workers were provided with proper working conditions.
Throughout its existence, the company’s name changed several times. So, in 1894, it was renamed Laird Schober & Co. The shoes became widely known under this brand.
According to Philadelphia factory statistics from 1891, the Graham textile business employed 169 people, while the neighboring shoe factory employed 550. In 1915, the shoe factory relocated to another part of the city, initially renting the upper floors of the new Harris building. The company purchased new premises in 1921 and continued to operate there until its closure in 1965.
Recognition and awards of the shoe company
Shoes of the brand Laird Schober Shoes became popular thanks to their exquisite design and comfort. Over the course of nearly a century of operation, the company garnered numerous local and international awards. In 1921, hand-made microscopic seams on this company’s shoes were exhibited to a group of French specialists. At the time, the French were considered the best specialists in the field of shoe manufacturing. They were impressed and delighted by what they saw, and they praised the craftsmanship of the Philadelphia shoemakers.
In addition, in 1900, the company received the Franklin Institute Engineering Award. Their shoe production was recognized as perfect, and all other manufacturers were encouraged to take inspiration from it.
In 1938, the company began working with Italian fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli. The company’s shoes were popular and were sold in the best department stores in Philadelphia.
Unfortunately, this local business closed in 1965 due to strong competition with mass producers. However, the brand has achieved great success and is well-known far beyond Philadelphia, making it a source of inspiration for future generations of designers and shoe manufacturers.