Waukesha in Waukesha County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Cohn's Shoe Store

Photographed By Linda Hansen, 2009

1. Cohn's Shoe Store Marker

Inscription. The Almont Building is located 1/2 block south of this marker on the NW corner of Main & Clinton Streets. It was built in 1857 by Charles Robinson and Martin Brown to house their harness business. During the Civil War, the top floor was used for army recruitment.

In 1921, it became the site of Cohn Brother's shoe store at 342 W. Main St. established by brothers-in-law, Samuel and Phillip Cohn. At the end of World War II, the store was headquarters for downtown's celebration. Samuel's son Edward joined the business in 1960 after Phillip retired in 1959. Samuel died in 1977. When Edward retired and the store closed in 1998, Cohn's was one of the oldest businesses operated by the same family in the city of Waukesha.

Erected 2008 by Waukesha County Historical Museum. (Marker Number 34-02.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.

Location. 43° 0.671′ N, 88° 13.979′ W. Marker is in Waukesha, Wisconsin, in Waukesha County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Clinton Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 342 W Main Street, Waukesha WI 53186, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least

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8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Waukesha Civic Theatre (WCT) (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Waukesha City - Cutler Park (about 700 feet away); Rotunda (about 700 feet away); Prehistoric Indian Mound (about 800 feet away); American Legion Home (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Waukesha Freeman (approx. 0.2 miles away); Weber Brewery (approx. ¼ mile away); Courthouse Complex (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Waukesha.

Additional commentary.
1. The Almont Building
The block of buildings on this street is referred to as the Robinson Block. The building was purchased by Samuel and Phillip Cohn from George Harris who previously ran a shoe store named Harris Shoe Store. Phillip and Samuel Cohn emigrated from Russia. Phillip learned how to made shoes from his father. Phillip's brother-in-law, Samuel, ran the retail half of the store, while Phillip handled the repair half. As years went by, the store concentrated mostly on selling new shoes. Today the building houses the Almont Gallery - where many local artists sell works of fine and decorative art to downtown shoppers.

— Submitted April 27, 2011, by Linda Hansen of Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Cohn's Shoe Store Entrance to Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Linda Hansen, 2011

2. Cohn's Shoe Store Entrance to Building

Cohn's Shoe Store Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Linda Hansen, 2011

3. Cohn's Shoe Store Building

Almont Gallery now

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2011, by Linda Hansen of Waukesha, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,958 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 27, 2011, by Linda Hansen of Waukesha, Wisconsin. 2, 3. submitted on June 15, 2011, by Linda Hansen of Waukesha, Wisconsin. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.