If you missed a January 2011 post introducing delightful Ewell Thomas, above, whose shoe-shine stand is located in the lower level of The Chase Park-Plaza Hotel, read it here (sorry it is no longer available). In that earlier post, Ewell’s account of shining shoes at age 11 in Gaslight Square is a window into a much simpler time. The account also introduces Burt Wells, “the best shoe shine guy in the business,” according to Ewell. Wells ran the stand at The Chase many years ago, and is responsible for teaching Ewell a trade he has returned to following retirement as a building inspector for the City of St. Louis.
The Shine Guy’s hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Before or after hours, you can drop shoes off for shine or repair at Sante Health Club (open at 5:30 a.m.), or Cutters Barber Shop, also located in the lower level. Include instructions with name and phone number, and Ewell will call you with questions, or when they are ready to be picked up. Some prices can be found in this post; for others, give Ewell a call (314) 702-0854. Shoe repair is done off-site, so takes a week or so.
In response to requests from several clients, specifically BJC physicians, Ewell plans to start a neighborhood pick up and drop off service beginning in May.
Ewell Thomas, The Shine Guy, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Lower Level, The Chase Park-Plaza Hotel, 212 N. Kingshighway, (314) 633-3020 (Chase Hotel).