The Shoemaker - Documentary

Frank Catalfumo is a 91 year old shoemaker and repairer in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. He first opened the doors to F&C Shoes in 1945 and continues to work five days a week alongside his son Michael. If you're ever in the area, make sure to stop by the shop and listen to one of Frank's amazing stories about life in Brooklyn back in the day.
Made in Brooklyn: The Shoemaker
View the photo gallery here: dustincohen.com/STORIES/THE-SH...
Directed by Dustin Cohen, Filmed by Dustin Cohen and Michael Hurley, Edited by Bill Kemmler, Color Grading by Simon Biswas.
www.dustincohen.com/

I am a shoemaker and I will strive to be like you. the trade must not die, passion and love has been given into this and it will not die.

[@ColonelK0rn1]

Men like this are the salt of the earth. Take time to hear their stories, because their lives are amazing.

[@sharonjack7239]

Yes, ColonelKOrn, you are so right. Salt of the earth.

[@jayshriver3933]

Videos like this inspired me to take up shoe making. I made my own lasts (very difficult) and am now on a fourth pair, lace-up cowboy boots.

[@joanncarega9782]

This was so wonderful to watch. My family didn't call him Frank we called him Izzy. Micheal and I were in the same class together. He used to carry my cigar box with my crayons and pencils for me. When I moved to Jersey I still went into the old neighbor to get my shoes fixed or dyed. There is nobody like Izzy. God Bless him. Hi Micheal!

[@MrSARJENTO18]

My Uncle also had a Shoe Shine Parlor& hat cleaning on 111 st and Jam. Ave- "Franks Shoe Shine & Hat Cleaning" at my Grandfather's shop I remember decorating the window for holidays-working late and opening early not to disappoint any customer.

[@BigBADArt89]

Stories like these just give me a knot in my throat

[@MrSARJENTO18]

Great video, takes me back- I worked in my Grandfather's place I learned the whole business.;He was 91 yrs old, upon his passing. I was there 25yrs -Open 61/2 days a week- Half on Sunday for people getting shoe shines. "Nick's Shoe Shine Parlor, Hat Cleaning and Shoe Repair"- located in Richmond Hill Qns-

[@user-gl4pk8tk5g]

respect

[@johnsonjgreenidge1956]

I love this it made me feel not to gave up as a shoemaker, Yes i am a shoemaker this is reel life goes on.

[@joedelfinollp]

God bless him , Nice to see father and son together , I tried so hard to have my son work with me . I see the video was made in 2013 hope Frank is still around . Father & son can't ask for more in life if you have that

[@sharonjack7239]

Beautiful story. THANKS so much for sharing this.

[@oursonvie]

Salute to the man for sticking with it so long

[@harryrogers]

Great film - loved the story and really well produced - thanks for posting. Regards Harry

[@mooneyes2k478]

Jeezus. 1923. Gods...talk about your craftman and his craft. Amazing, is all I can say.

[@edf2953]

Great video! I am fascinated to learn a bit about your trade and the shoe store you opened after World War 11. First of all, thank you for your service during the War! I found your video very interesting and would enjoy learning more about the shoe business. Perhaps someday you can create another video with more details on how your business evolved over the years. That would be quite interesting. Thank you.

[@erincovington47]

I wish I knew this man... I was truely inspired. I have the best idea for a shoe that has never been made before. I have been looking for a shoemaker for a while now, but I cant seem to find one in my area.

[@BattleAx342]

Men like this made America Great. God Bless..

[@BigBADArt89]

Frank Yellowsnow absolutely. I recently went to Spokane Washington to get some custom boots made, the craftsmanship is amazing, so inspiring

[@sharonjack7239]

Agreed, Frank Yellowsnow!

[@sharonjack7239]

Agree, Rustic_MetalArt !

[@joepasquarello1273]

Hats off to The Old Man!

[@toniriehle4809]

Beautiful video! I’m looking into some family ancestry and my great grandfather Nicholas Panebianco was a shoemaker around Bay 37th - italian If your family has ever heard of him please reach out!!!

[@MrSARJENTO18]

. "Nick's Shoe Shine Parlor, Hat Cleaning and Shoe Repair"- still have my Shoemaker hand tools, treadle stitcher,some hat cleaning tools, boiler/steamer and 2 of the 5 chairs with the working stand complete displayed in my Den- I give shoe shines on occasion for guests, friends and relatives to keep in practice-Ha - The Large Red Brick building on 102nd street just off Jamaica ave still stands I went by Bicycle home and to the shop just 3 blocks away. I'll visit Bkln sometime too.

[@henryesp9284]

Frank passed away in 2017 😢

[@mariedevita6798]

RIP .

[@danzbutrfly]

nice video.

[@rubber-johnny4577]

It's a crying shame that we buy cheap throwaway tat nowadays rather than making good items and repairing them.

[@vellitzar]

I didn’t learn a damn thing about shoemaking