Danville in Contra Costa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Xavier’s Shoe Store

1911

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado

1. Xavier’s Shoe Store Marker

Inscription. Portuguese immigrant Joao “John” Antonio Xavier worked as a cook and shoe repair and married Olivia Bettencourt in 1916. Originally occupied by Ray’s Pool Hall, they acquired this building for Xavier’s Shoe Store and Olivia’s Variety Store was opened across the street in the Markey building. Their son Walter graduated from San Ramon Valley High School in 1938 and eventually ran the show store that featured western wear and harness repair. “Walt” and wife Louise had 5 children, 4 of whom graduated from San Ramon Valley High School.

In memory of Sharon Xavier de Sousa 1948-2019

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1911.

Location. 37° 49.307′ N, 122° 0.013′ W. Marker is in Danville, California, in Contra Costa County. It is on Hartz Avenue north of East Prospect Avenue, on the right when traveling south. The plaque is mounted below the window left of the front door. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 375 Hartz Avenue, Danville CA 94526, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area

and on the Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: McDonald's Drug Store (a few steps from this marker); First Danville Fire Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Danville Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker);

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A Purple Heart Community (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Danville Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Cabral/Foster House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); McCauley House (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Danville.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Danville Hotel Territory (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, May 29, 2023

2. Xavier’s Shoe Store Marker

Xavier’s Shoe Store Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, May 29, 2023

3. Xavier’s Shoe Store Building

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, May 29, 2023

4. Xavier’s Shoe Store Building

Credits. This page was last revised on July 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. This page has been viewed 317 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 31, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.