The Hat takes a look at the Putney Shoe Factory, currently the Taxation building
Shoes, taxes, spices and perhaps in the future a grocery store.
Harry Kollatz Jr. takes a look at the past of one of the larger buildings in our area. The building has served as a tax office, factory and most importantly the maker of the greatest named shoe, the Battle Axe.
The Putney Shoe Co. is an example of fireproof construction, featuring bearing walls of brick (with the primary elevation stuccoed) and poured concrete floors, roof and columns. The building’s fireproof construction, emphasis on abundant light, and immediate access to rail lines made it a model of efficiency and safety that the company praised in a hymn to itself: “The most economically arranged shoe plant in the country.
Images: Top – Richmond Magazine Middle/Bottom – Strause Collection, Valentine Richmond History Center
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Richard Hayes
When Richard isn’t rounding up neighborhood news, he’s likely watching soccer or chasing down the latest and greatest craft beer.
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