Greensburg in Decatur County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Erdman Building

Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 19, 2022

1. The Erdman Building Marker

Inscription. The bay window and ornamental corners of this building represent one of the few examples of Queen Anne architecture in the Courthouse Square district. Built in 1908 b George Erdmann, it originally housed a saloon. Later Roy C. Kanouse, known as “The Shoe Feller,” practiced his trade here. The popular Greensburg Grill fed residents for three decades beginning in the late 30’s. Many law firms and dentists have chosen both the lower and upper stories for their practices.

Erected by the Decatur County Community Foundation, the Indiana Humanities Council, Historical Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, Decatur County Alliance for Preservation, Historical Society of Decatur County, Students of Greensburg Elementary School fifth seminar, and the St. Mary’s Little Hoosiers.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.

Location. 39° 20.223′ N, 85° 28.96′ W. Marker is in Greensburg, Indiana, in Decatur County. Marker is on North Franklin Street south of East Washington Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 114 N Franklin Street, Greensburg IN 47240, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Naegel Building (a few steps from this marker); Colonel Thomas Hendricks / Elizabeth Trimble Hendricks

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Seitz Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Huber Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Decatur County Civil War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Decatur County All Wars Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Wilder Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Spanish American War Veterans (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Greensburg.

Also see . . . Footwear in Canada. The April 1913 edition of this shoe industry monthly magazine included an article by Roy C. Kanouse on page 55. It was titled “The Best Retail Shoe Advertising: A practical paper read at a meeting of Indiana Retail Shoe Dealer’s Association.” Here is an excerpt:

I have another little stunt which I have been pulling off each month and it has brought me large returns. This is the giving of a pair of 25¢ moccasins to each baby born in the county during the month. I obtain the names of the babies from the secretary of the Board of Health and address
Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 19, 2022

2. The Erdman Building and Marker
the baby direct on a neat little white card printed in baby blue ink. It reads like this —
Master Joseph Edward:
In starting this life its very necessary that you get started at the right place to buy your footwear. Now if you will speak to your mama about bringing you to my store I will present you with your first pair of moccasins free of charge. Kindly bring this card with you.

Respectfully,
Roy C. Kanouse, “The Shoe Feller”
Greensburg, Ind.
This card I enclose in a small envelope and mail to the baby, in care of the father, of course, to aid the postman in its delivery. Nine out of ten mothers bring their babies to my store and most of them buy something else when they come and I have made another new customer. This little ad is far reaching in its effect for babies first shoes are usually saved and the giver not forgotten. I have made 81 new customers the past year with this little ad alone. While its purpose is to get new customers yet I have found it a mighty good thing to gain a stronger hold on my old ones for they like to know you have interest enough in them to even know the new babies’ names.

(Submitted on October 5, 2022.)

The Erdman Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 19, 2022

3. The Erdman Building

Credits. This page was last revised on October 5, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2022, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 92 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 5, 2022, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.