Rocky The Cobbler

Rocky The Cobbler

Post
Subscribe

Posted 2020-06-01 by Neil Follettfollow
Decades ago, almost everyone would at some time patronise a cobbler. These days many people may not know what a cobbler was or did.


For the benefit of those younger than me, a cobbler is a shoe repairer. When your shoes became a little down at heel, your local shoe repairer would re-heel them. They would also repair your sole. Rocky says he has repaired many people's soles.


On one of my two visits there, he was repairing an expensive leather jacket. A cobbler excels at repairing leather goods. Rocky has been plying his trade in Mooroolbark since 1981. "Today repairing shoes is only a small part of my business," he laments.

"A large part of my business these days is cutting keys," says Rocky pointing to an extensive display of key blanks, just waiting to be custom cut to unlock your locks.


Looking around his somewhat cluttered work area, it is obvious that old machinery never wears out. His heavy duty Singer sewing machine is about 65 years old.


Like any business that has seen the demand for their product decline, they need to diversify, and Rocky has. Apart from cutting keys, he can replace watch and car key batteries, and do engraving. Where else but a cobbler would you go for a large range of different colour and lengths of shoe laces?


Does your new pair of shoes feel a little tight? Perhaps only one feels tight. No problem as Rocky's shoe stretcher can return comfort to your feet.


At the rear of the shop is a mini library with shelving holding several hundred books waiting to be read. "I used to buy books that people brought in and re-sell or exchange them. But these days people don't seem to read as much." All the books are for sale at $1-00 each. If you bring in three or four books, you can take one from shelves for free.


Rocky is a true artisan. Instead of giving your old boots the boot, give the boots to Rocky and he will, in today's vernacular, re-boot them.

#mooroolbark
#fashion
#outer_east
#Services
%wnmelbourne
133208 - 2023-06-13 09:26:36

Tags

Free
Festivals
Outdoor
Music
Markets
Nightlife
Fundraisers
Family_friendly
Community
Arts_culture
Food_drink
Educational
Random
Theatre_shows
Shopping_markets
Copyright 2024 OatLabs ABN 18113479226