BROADWAY HERE WE COME!

So today I worked in the Riser Boot and Shoe Manufactory. I worked with one of the most fun sisters here.  Her name is Sister Meier and this is the second time we have worked together, but we will get to work together one more time this week.  She and I can talk the whole time, non stop, which is mostly her because as we all know, I never have much to say!!!! She is originally from California, but lives in Idaho now, up in the panhandle.  So we gave 20 tours today and it isn’t even as busy as it is supposed to get.  So far it has mostly been members, but I have had at least 20 non LDS since I got here.  It is really kind of fun to give the tours, especially when I know the facts.  I will be working at two more homes this week that I have never been too.

Captive audience.  I had a mother come up to me today and say that the tour I gave was wonderful for her children.  I guess my college degree is finally coming in handy Daddy!!!!!


Tiny shoes for little feet.  It took one entire 12 hour day to make a pair of shoes.  George Riser trained for four years to be a shoemaker. 

Some of the tools of the trade.

A pair of shoes would have cost $1.50  and a pair of boots $5.50.  Consider that most people in Nauvoo of the time, if they were doing well would make about a dollar a day.

Shoes were made so that they fit either foot.  There were no left or right shoes. They suggested to alternate them every other day so they would wear evenly. 

The Amish still make their own shoes the very same way that they were made in Nauvoo.  This is a barrel of them that we have to look at.

There is about a fifteen step process and these are some of the “lasts,” or shoe forms. These little pegs, hand whittled, are part of the process.


Some shoes that women would have worn. 
Then tonight was our premiere at “Sunset” We start by cleaning off all the seats.  That is our assignment this month.  Some missionaries direct parking, etc.    I was nervous but so excited really.  The audience was full and so many people who have come through my tours wave and holler at me.  It was actually fun.  Now if I could just get all of the parts down pat then I could really enjoy it. 
Tomorrow I have to be up and at a Mission meeting by 8 AM.  Plus Richard and I have to give the prayers.  I think the mission president is checking me out to see exactly ………………..Well you know.  He is still looking at me a little sideways!  Tomorrow night we are going out with Kyle and Jill Franklin and they are gong to show us the HOTSPOTS!  One of the single sisters that came out with us from the MTC has invited us over for dinner on Sunday, and guess what??? MY SON, DAUGHTER AND THEIR KIDS ARE COMING ON FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!