John Cavanagh & Son, Dealers in Boots, Shoes and Rubbers. Est. 1891

Early picture of John Cavanagh, shoemaker.

Charles Gavin Cavanagh

Charlie Cavanagh in later years.

In 1889 the present day building at 135 Main St. was erected by John Cavanagh and Eugene Hayes.  In one side Mr. Hayes had a grocery store and John Cavanagh & Son moved into the other side.  On April 1, 1891 John Cavanagh, together with his son Charles G., formed a partnership to conduct a retail store featuring handmade boots, shoes and footwear repair. It was then that custom made shoes were made available.  The fashion was changing and the trend of the times had to be followed.  The second floor of the block was known as Hayes and Cavanagh Hall.  It had a hardwood floor and was used for dances and suppers and also served as the headquarters for the fast growing Cornell Community Club.

After graduating from high school Mary, Charles' sister, came into the store to clerk and the family business flourished for many years.  John Cavanagh died in 1916.  Charles and Mary continued to serve the village and surrounding areas for over fifty years.  They were proud to say there were several cases where they fitted shoes to five generations of a family.

On July 1, 1947 the business was sold to Donald Robinson of Lowville, NY.  On May 1, 1954 the business was purchased by Edward R. Moonan, great-grandson of John Cavanagh.  He changed the name to 

"The Family Shoe Store", which he owned and operated until July 1994.   

                                                  Original cash box from the shoe store.

  Original cobbler's bench from the shoe store.

1927 Kalamazoo Cookstove used by the Boonville Grange in the hall above the shoe store.

                                                                      Notebook from 1896.

Handmade boots and fitting stool from the shoe store.

Baby shoes worn by Ed Moonan circa 1928.

Ed Moonan, The Family Shoe Store, Main St., Boonville, NY  1994

Ed & Betty Moonan 1994