Pretty War STL

while i was making a comment on your flicr of this photo, i stumbled across a little history behind this shoe company.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Shoe_v._Washington

like this photo suggests, Int'l Shoe Comapny should have an impact long outlasting it's ediface...

My mother sold City Club and Velvet Step shoes at Pinner's Shoe Store in the 1950s in Belhaven, North Carolina. I think these shoes were made by International. They were quality shoes, very well made. Foreign shoes at any price on today's market don't begin to measure up to the feel and fit of these shoes.

My grandfather and grandmother worked for International Shoe Co. at their plant in Poplar Bluff, MO. The factory is where they met. My grandfather always tells stories about his days making shoes.

My great uncle was president or chairman of international shoe during wwII. Am trying to get information as to when he was active with the company. NAME WAS BYRAN A. GRAY

i have to 'work' for International Shoe in a theater
play I am doing. Can you tell me more about it, please?

My Great Uncle was Henry Rand one of the owners of International Shoe. The building is now City Museum and is a fascinating place to visit along with Windows on Washington for events. I knew my Aunt Dot but not Henry.

My parents owned Albert's Shoe Store in Brockport, NY where they sold City Club for men, Velvet Step for Women, Weather Bird, later Poll Parrot for children in the 50s-80s. All Interco products.

I have a pair of shoes form International Shoe, the box says "Value-Maid,Roberts, Johnson, & Rand, Branch International Shoe Co. St. Louis, Mo. I know they are old, but would like to know just how old they are. It also says "Black Kid Tie", which I would assume would be the style. The number on the box is: 6144-1 and 565 They are in very good shape. My brother used to have a "country" store some years back and found this pair of shoes in the attic. Any info you could give would be greatly appreciated. Thank You.
Jane Sindel

I bought Velvet Step shoes in Dallas TX in the late 40's and early 50's. The most comfortable black suede pumps ever made.

Wow! What a great photo of the old International Shoe Co. building. I love the comments of those associated with ISC in various ways. It was a great STL institution in it's day.

I'm no expert but having had family who worked for the company, I believe Jane's shoes are from the early days of the ISC, around 1911 when the Roberts, Johnson & Rand changed it's name and began it's acquistion process and growth.

The Rand family exercised behind the scenes leadership for a long time and were probably the largest shareholders. I wish I had my records handy; I remember the name Gray.

International, like so many other great manufacturing concerns of their day are a vestige of a proud U.S. heritage which is, sadly, almost gone.

I am disappointed that we have so few company records and remembrances--personal as well as corporate, which would help us to write it's history. The "Globe-Democrat"(?) newspaper has some history, but I would love to find more.