Ewell Thomas, “The Shine Guy,” is still in business

I’m delighted to remind some of you and introduce others to CWEnder Ewell Thomas, also known as “The Shine Guy,” who contacted me recently to ask if I could get the word out that he is still in the business of polishing and repairing shoes.

We first met in 2011, when Ewell was operating a shoe shine stand in the lower level of what is now The Chase Park-Plaza Royal Sonesta Hotel. Because of renovations to the hotel, and the pandemic, he lost that location and has since made other arrangements.

For now, Ewell will meet customers at the entry to Schlafly Library, 225 N. Euclid. If your shoes need polishing, they’ll be returned to the library the next day—repairs will take from 3 days up to a week.

Call Ewell at (314) 702-0854 for prices and to arrange a pick up.

P.S. The first post I wrote about The Shine Guy in 2011 is no longer available, though a 2015 post explains how Ewell learned the trade from a pro and was polishing shoes in Gaslight Square at age 11. He returned to the business after he retired as a building inspector for the City of St. Louis.