We bought an old abandoned shoe factory building - What's inside?

This videos features the 1919 Buster Brown Shoe Company which has been abandoned for years. It shows the building with a tour through its floors and contents. It was an abandoned building full of stuff that came with it and we show you how much work we have ahead of us. Wish us luck!
If you would like to contact me please send an email to
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[@MoDave82]

Good to see folks restoring instead of demolition

[@troyalger1603]

To anyone with a bad shoulder, that ball throwing tool is awesome. My pitbull loves it and so does my right arm.

[@haggardhearts]

My wife's grandmother and her late husband John owned it for years... My wife grew up running around it.. I spent quite a bit of time working on it.. My son spent most of his days running around with his great gma there while it was the plumbing supply and became the "supervisor" lol. The cleanup was a massive undertaking when she moved on from it.

[@coldwarmercantile]

Great to hear stories about it. Thx

[@jamesclarke6861]

Mind if I ask where in Charleston? And how much it sold for?

[@sonjacrowell9896]

Wow. Thank you for sharing. I’m sure your wife and yourself and kids will be able to see who is buying and plans. ❤️

[@carolynjordan4633]

y

[@Mindsi]

Jumanji script, did u find the game?

[@rcs3030]

My great, great,great,great grandfather actually broke the first window way back when he was about 12 years old. Our whole family is still very proud of him.

[@coldwarmercantile]

Does it run in the family? Cheers!

[@loro3849]

The mural idea would help the teens develop a feeling of ownership and a chance to celebrate the history of their community.

[@skipstein744]

I never worked for Buster Brown shoe company, but back in the 1950's I wore Buster Brown shoes. I am 78, for time references. Onward!

[@keithlane7471]

Wow , what a great project. Those old mill / factory buildings are beautifully made to last the test of time as long as you keep them dry inside. A small group of friends I've known since junior high school that are not afraid of hard work had looked into getting one of these when we were in our twenties and clean up, covert to mixed use and use as a base for our individual businesses, and rental space. What killed the project was when the asbestos inspectors came in and said we'd have to spend millions of dollars to hire a licensed hazmat company to remove or contain all the asbestos before we could start doing anything. My group are all 60 now, and can't do the hard work anymore, but regret not doing a big building project when we were physically able. Best regards

[@coldwarmercantile]

The good thing with this building is that there is very little asbestos. I'm almost 50 now myself.

[@mistydawnhopkins]

I'm so glad you bought this building. I look forward to seeing it transformed over the next five years.

[@coldwarmercantile]

Thanks misty.

[@fanndisgoldbraid3183]

Interesting stuff. A lot of the old appliances, radios, stoves, TVs, etc...look like they would be usable for a Hollywood movie set, showing an old house, hotel/motel room, etc. Cool.

[@tete7958]

My grandmother and her sister were both stitchers at Brown's. My grandfather worked there off and on and my mother worked there. That was during the depression. I worked at the new building right out of high school for a bit. I have heard so many stories about this building and it was nice to see inside.

[@coldwarmercantile]

A lot of history!

[@dedogster]

That's in Perth isn't it?

[@dspine6]

Your video was fascinating to watch, and caused a few light bulbs of suggestions to light up. Hope they might help! 1. Talk to any high school close by about construction. My 3 boys construction classes basically worked for free for local businesses to get experience and a grade! 2. Hire someone to list sellable items. Maybe pay them a percentage of profit? 3. For things you would put in a dumpster (stuff not wanted but not trash) advertise free, first come, first serve. Cuts down on dumpster cost! 4. Hire some teenagers to help sort/clean/move things you are keeping. A weekend or 3 could make a big difference!

[@dspine6]

I thought of a couple more suggestions... 5. Contact some antique dealers and/or resellers to walk through and purchase items you don't want. 6. Habitat for Humanity has a store called Restore. You can donate items there and use the value for a tax break.

[@ProsperityInChristChurch]

I'm very grateful that you took the time to share this adventure with us. Thank you 😊

[@erikh9991]

I would love to come help you clean up for a week. That would be so much fun just discovering stuff and making it look nice!!

[@RoadsideDown]

I remember going in there as a kid and I believe it was the 2nd floor used to be full of cars, one of which used to belong to my grandfather who passed away when my mom was a kid. Building is such a great piece of history, can't wait to see you make progress on this!

[@coldwarmercantile]

They had lots of auctions thats all legend now.

[@tommygunn3063]

Luv that old building...I can imagine picking through that place for days looking for cool old treasure.

[@donaldrempel32]

oh the barn style fire door, I worked on an 100 year old building years ago and the fire door was polished out and looked fantastic when it was done. 👍

[@annieo9468]

What a monumental task ahead of you. It seems overwhelming. It'll be interesting to watch the transformation.

[@geneva760]

What a find. I would really enjoy such a building - upstairs my home - and downstairs my workshop. And great to read the comments from people that have been involved with the business and/or building. CHEERS from AUSTRALIA

[@gorillaau]

And still another floor above that. That building is bringing huge. They don't built them like they used to back then, and certainly not from solid brick!

[@vestel777]

Those rolls of Industrial Wallpaper can be very valuable because there are tons of people who are restoring Old Victorian Homes and they are looking for wallpapers that actually date back to that certain era’s.

[@coldwarmercantile]

I am guessing these are mostly from 70s.

[@janecarolhogue3140]

@@coldwarmercantile still people might like them

[@NorthernStruggler]

I hope you don't have any regrets. once the trash is out, you have SO MUCH floor space with an excellent structure.

[@stevenchildress9545]

Wow, amazed the thing is still standing. My mom worked there when I was growing up 50’s--60’s. John Winnett bought it 70’s-80’s Winnett Plumbing. John was also a city Council member during the Hickman administration. We lived in the 800 block of Madison Ave. so it was quite a walk for my mom.

[@SagebrushRambles]

This channel needs way more subs than what it has..

[@richardcline1337]

One thing you certainly won't have a need for is new shelving. That place is full of it. A little refurbishing and they'd fit right in with what you plan for the building.

[@elsinore79]

Hi Chris, Fantastic video. As a upholster of furniture for the past 25 years, I look forward to see some of the pieces come trough your warehouse. If you ever have a need for a upholstery shop in Ohio, let me know. Good luck with the building.

[@susanmayberry2763]

What a beautiful building.Can't wait to see videos of your place as you progress.Those old stoves are amazing.Hope they don't go to scrap yards,find happy homes.Thank you for sharing.

[@BEV0323]

Wow, you have a massive job on your hands, good luck with it ALL!!!

[@stratocaster1greg]

I have been finding cool antiques in America my whole life. Your building is gorgeous. God Bless.

[@RENunez-sd6ov]

I had a friend who also bought a warehouse, and we use to get around on bikes. I also helped him with removing old wiring and plumbing but the bikes sure helped to get around. Also, you need to get a roll off dumpster and start with the trash and start stacking the things you want t keep. Like I said I did this before it's a lot of work, but the outcome is well worth it.

[@leoross5777]

making a deal with someone who will list all this salvage on a auction page, giving them half of the commission for doing all the legwork, photos and mailing, is a plan you might consider

[@missingremote4388]

He should use 10 x 12 glass to repair the windows

[@lydia-marylivingston5916]

Good day! My name is Lydia-Mary Livingston and I am local to Charleston! My husband Anthony Livingston and I own and operate an Indoor Flea Market on the Downtown Charleston Square in one of the OLDEST buildings left. Our store is located on 601 Monroe Avenue of you ever want to stop in! I have a deep love for old historic buildings and love to see them repaired and maintained/updated so that they can be used again beneficially within our town and am excited to see/hear what you have in store for this building that MANY of my elders have worked in! Anywho, welcome to our little town! We are happy to have you! Reach out if you ever need! God bless you in all you do!

[@coldwarmercantile]

Hi thanks for the message I think I know if your place I was actually in there I think. Great to see business is still operating up on the Square

[@lydia-marylivingston5916]

@@coldwarmercantile Absolutely and growing ever better each day! We have seen so many new store fronts around our square. It's Absolutely marvelous! I am excited to see whatever you plan with the Old Brown Shoe Factory!

[@randycrager4074]

Brown shoes! I've owned a couple pair and my Niece worked at one of their outlets and I still think they were the best shoes I've ever worn!

[@SledDog5678]

What a fun time looking through the items.

[@cindyebinger2108]

Wow. The Brown Shoe building is definitely a treasure that holds a lot of memories in my hometown of Charleston. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for what you are doing. What an undertaking!! I used to utilize the north side of the building as a photography backdrop. And the cafeteria table!! So cool - pretty sure I sat at it back in the day. Best of luck! I love that you have such an obvious appreciation for the value of the structure and so many things inside. Can’t wait to see what becomes of it through the next 5 years.

[@coldwarmercantile]

Thanks for the well wishes!

[@alphatwist2191]

also from charleston IL!!!!!! i always walk by it when i go for walks, its amazing to see a fellow charlestonian, go trojans!!!

[@mcgjohn22]

quite the impressive building and quite the task you have undertaken. will look forward to updates. tks

[@coldwarmercantile]

Thanks I like to say in 4 years it will look amazing, or it will look exactly as it does now!

[@johnjon1823]

Seeing this video I feel so much better about the crap in my basement and garage. Makes my day.

[@tiktok11150]

If we knew each other and I lived closer I would ask to pick a room, clean and organize it for free. I love going through old stuff and can see the potential of each room. They really would make great apartments.

[@coldwarmercantile]

It's entertaining if you don't mind dust.

[@rrl4245]

Wow! A treasure trove and a hell of a project. Good luck!

[@coldwarmercantile]

THanks for the well wishes!

[@ruthboardman1189]

Chris, you are a fantastic story teller! I am so happy you bought the factory. Can’t wait to see what you do with it!

[@coldwarmercantile]

Thanks ruth. Slow and steady wins the race.

[@angellamyers9758]

Big building 4 a side hustle

[@hypnotherapycw]

he is? cause i ACTUALLY want to throw up.

[@larrysmith4918]

How exciting. What a beautiful and gigantic classic industrial design. 🍿

[@amyh.2020]

Great bones and fabulous spaces! What an exciting project in whole!

[@billierenshaw3302]

Just amazing …you have your work cut out for sure …I want to follow your journey 🥰

[@jamestongas3554]

What massive factory in a piece of American history. Buster Brown well I remember that she ran from way back in the day. Great vision much success! You have to keep showing us progress.

[@coldwarmercantile]

Thanks for the kind words. I'll be posting more in April when I get back to do some of the projects on the list!

[@traceypotts9425]

What a gold mine that is I would love to go through it all

[@kevinturner6495]

I just found this video...it was extremely interesting to see the inside of this building...My dad and step-mom work here in the 60-70's...My dad has been gone 39 years...Thanks for sharing this...Wishing you the best as you do work on the building

[@coldwarmercantile]

Thanks, my grandpa and I used to walk past it when I was young.

[@phillymdm]

Just came across this video and thanks for sharing. I grew up in Charleston and came back after college. My grandma worked there and very interesting to see the inside. That had to be overwhelming

[@tackyisme]

I am just a hop skip and jump from the factory. I can't wait to see what you do with the place. I am a vintage reseller online and looking forward to all your videos.

[@CM-sy3to]

Ask the community to donate $10 for each rock they threw in the past. How wonderful that you will be saving this piece of history.

[@brianshields7137]

The ground floor would make a magnificent craft and farmers market

[@richardatteberry1249]

My grandfather worked for Brown shoe company for 27 yrs in Litchfield Illinois. Stood in the same corner, running the same machine, looking thru the same windows for 27 years. And different generation.

[@coldwarmercantile]

They don't make em like they used to! I was really close to my grandpa.

[@howlingwind1937]

Well considering that it works, the fork lift will come in handy when you're moving boxes of your antiques into the areas you will be putting them.

[@LSteen-yp6nl]

I went in there when I was a kid with my brother. There were a bunch of classic cars on one of the upper floors. My mother and grandmother worked there back in the day. I'm glad someone is finally fixing the place up!

[@coldwarmercantile]

There has been about 10 auctions over the years. Those are long gone. Seems like everybody knows somebody who worked there. From Charleston I mean.

[@richardvinsen2385]

This building would make for some amazing loft apartments if the area would support that.

[@richardfettig5974]

the building has good bones , should make a great place to work out of , good luck!

[@kathybrandt6060]

I think your information sign is from the 50s. What an incredible building I wish you all the best in getting it up to what you want it to be

[@christianmccollum1028]

That would make THE PERFECT garage and shop for me and my VW toys! Wow!!

[@coldwarmercantile]

The building used to have cars on more than one floor.

[@christianmccollum1028]

@@coldwarmercantile It's such a cool place. I'm anxious to see the end result and am looking forward to seeing progress through future videos. Good luck!

[@Olds_Gold]

I would love to crawl through that building and look for stuff. What a cool place congrats

[@fr3dr02]

I dream of having a old factory to live in with all the great light coming in..

[@MegaDknox]

I live in Knoxville Iowa. A local crew is restoring a building up town and they uncovered a Browns Shoe Fit Company sign.

[@baskets8429]

Very cool , love history like this I’m about 4 hours north of here in Long Grove, Illinois and once the antique business is setup I’ll try to visit and check this place out , just subscribed

[@coldwarmercantile]

Nice! Welcome!

[@jingojanga73]

My god man, its both a nightmare and a delight at the same time lol Good luck with the project and thanks for sharijg ...was interesting to see 👍

[@baskets8429]

That’s a cool Holophane light Industrial lighting is super sought after that’s for sure Wish I was at those auctions

[@enragedamerican2079]

Great business concept. I believe it's been much too long in coming and will prove to be quite popular. Using that as your base, you could utilize both brick and mortar as well as sellers at large swap meets, and the internet to fulfill a long-ignored desire. Double thumbs up. Looks like you have enough stock where you could sell what you have there and start bringing in 'New" old stock as well as Eastern European antiques and still have room to lease.

[@jackdumas9563]

Wow- What a Beautiful Building -

[@rockyhall7368]

I have worked all my life in buildings like that so cool, i have mad so many things out of all those things in that building.

[@bearhardcorepicker]

New subscriber! In some ways I am jealous and at the same time wouldn't want the task you're undertaking. At 51 I have been through several moves of my residence and 30+ year antiques & collectibles business, so have hauled tons of merchandise, done renovations, dealt with scrap metals,dealt in ewaste, done demolition, and many of the things you will be undertaking in your monumental task. I have hopefully made my last move into a 3000sqr foot commercial building 2 years ago, and am trying to take it easy....or as easy as you can take it in this business.Wish I still had the energy to go delve into such endeavors. I commend you and wish you luck in your project.

[@coldwarmercantile]

Thanks for the kind words I will be 48 myself this year. Maybe its a mid-life crisis! But it has been fun so far. hope it continues to be.

[@joegilly1523]

I’m from a old shoe town. Endicott Johnson shoe factory’s. Six stories twice as long as this one . 5 times wider,we had 20 HUGE buildings that’s all gone now,over seas now. Cool old building,good score . Big big job good luck.

[@coldwarmercantile]

Thanks, did someone repurpose the building?

[@joegilly1523]

@@coldwarmercantile Sadly only 4 remain. They sat for 50 years empty . Roof leaks and time took over. Taxes and no upkeep doomed them the ones left 4 have been converted into student housing . One was a huge storage building. 125 years ago the slogan was witch way EJ. The immigrants came to EllisIsland then came here. They built the community. EJ employees Had free health care and dental. We had Huge Pools ,the Johnson family had 5 Herschel carousels installed. We still have them ALL and are still free to ride when the parks open. We are the carousel capital of the world .Well all have or had family that worked at one of the factory’s. Asbestos was loaded in the old buildings . I think that’s why no one would do anything with the old buildings.

[@KatyLiedToMe]

excited to watch your journey

[@barbarapetersen6241]

I remember Buster Brown shoe commercial. If I remember right it goes like this. There was a pic of boy Buster Brown and his dog. "I am Buster Brown. I live in a shoe. This is my dog Tag. He lives here too".

[@Sparrow_Bloodhunter]

this would make such a cool place to live. if I were rich I'd definitely buy an old building like this to live in, like a mall maybe, I imagine a large mall would be really fun to live in.

[@coldwarmercantile]

back in the day (the 80s when movies were the best) the loft industrial apartments were always the coolest!

[@MikeMoore1]

This is awesome to see. I'm from the area... can't wait to see the progress.

[@blipblip88]

Thanks for the tour. It does look like an enourmous project for you! Good luck in your European antique business.

[@jonesmetsasta226]

Now, THAT'S a building.

[@brynmusselwhite481]

Love the building, not envious of the work! Good luck with it all.

[@randyclarke7276]

We have the identical building in Perth Ontario, you should look into it as the owners have turned it into an incredible facility. Coffee shop, offices, health club. They have many more years reno's to come. The building is massive.

[@coldwarmercantile]

Someone else mentioned that. I need to look into it.

[@savannahsmiles1797]

I wore buster brown shoes as a kid...very well made.

[@durango88]

Lots of luck in your future finds, its obvious you see great potential whereas some would see only junk and a lot of work..Your attitude to the eventual work is beautifully positive so I see a positive outcome when finally completed..May you and yours celebrate many joys towards its completion..(Over the years I was a You)lol Hal

[@jmd1743]

You know those industrial themed loft apartments? Well now you have a potential mansion with that aesthetics.

[@coldwarmercantile]

just like from the movies!

[@michaelvelik8779]

Wonderful amount of natural light in that old factory building.

[@stevenlawyer1715]

Thanks for the tour! Two of my grandparents worked there in the 1920s. I have a photo of all the employees taken in front of the factory.

[@coldwarmercantile]

I may have the same photo. There is a fb group

[@stevenlawyer1715]

Which fb group? I would like to check it out.

[@coldwarmercantile]

@@stevenlawyer1715 I’m currently traveling but when I get back to my laptop I’ll try to figure out what was the name of the group and let you know

[@coldwarmercantile]

ONe of the groups was "you know you are from charleston when" the other was "lost illinois manufacturing"

[@tracy85777]

They say DREAM BIG! But my goodness you have a HUGE job ahead of you Sir! I wish you safely speed and Godliness. ❤️

[@coldwarmercantile]

Thanks. Lot of people say it makes their blood pressure go up to watch. I am having the time of my life.

[@jerrypearce5920]

Good luck I'd like to see it after you finish it 👍

[@2mnxffrddfghjbbvcdfh6644bcddcv]

At first I thought your were crazy Now I see you have a plan, I hope it works out for you!

[@kerrywines4865]

I'm glad you both the old business are going two make something of the space kw from wva.

[@aprylrittenhouse4562]

I used to have buster brown shoes when I was little

[@swedechick]

I live in an apartment built in the early 1960s. The flashbacks I had seeing your pistachio green bathroom sinks... I had that, with a matching toilet and tub, when I bought the place. First thing I tossed out!

[@coldwarmercantile]

Would you call it nostalgia? good times.

[@notdavidbender]

I also live in Charleston, and I loved this video. Thank you so much for posting it.

[@denisephillips1988]

This would be a great place for a antique mall!

[@coldwarmercantile]

Maybe some day. Antiques are my jam!

[@caracassady7671]

That's awesome Chris, best of luck to you!

[@coldwarmercantile]

Thankyou

[@thewoodworkersjourney3314]

Not going to lie...this would be my dream purchase.

[@susanroethemeyer8730]

You could build some apartments in the 2nd or 3rd floors! That would be cool!😊

[@chijohnaok]

Just found this video. This looks like a massive undertaking. The best of luck to you on your project. Regarding the pink bathroom plumbing fixtures. During the early 1990s I purchased a 1920’s era brick “2 flat” (duplex apartments) in the Chicago area. One unit had apparently undergone a rehab to the bathroom some time in the past (likely 1960’s). The sink, toilet and cast iron bathtub were pink. The floor was pink mosaic tiles. The walls were pink panels. The fake drop ceiling was pink. It was as if someone had vomited Pepto Bismol. We did a complete rehab: ripped out the pink floor tiles, the pink wall and ceiling panels, the pink toilet and the sink. We paid someone to come in and re-coat the bathtub into a shade of white. In keeping with the period, we rehabbed a 1920’s era cast iron pedestal sink and installed that in the bathroom. Again, good luck on your project.

[@coldwarmercantile]

Pink wouldn't be my choice either!

[@judechopper]

You got stuff and lots of it, cool!

[@coldwarmercantile]

mixed blessing.

[@keithm6117]

Really great vid, "well done", boy you have some work ahead of you..

[@michelealdridge7436]

My grandson lives in Charleston . Ironic that I would find this article. I will have to tell him to send me pictures. I would love to look through the building to find and buy old treasures.

[@serenitypeaceandcomfort3669]

Grew up wearing Buster Browns!

[@larryhbvphillips8410]

What a task before you. I've done it and can tell you five years is very optimistic. Asbestos wrapped pipes, asbestos floor tiles, lead paint, etc. Costs a fortune to dispose of those hazardous materials. Having to hire an engineering firm to show that the building is still stable enough for occupancy, fire marshals to certify the fire suppression systems, it goes on forever at great monetary costs. You have a task for sure.

[@deeringkendrick8388]

Damn, that's a beautiful building. I'm just salivating.

[@vilheim11]

At 13:12-All your antique art deco fluorescent light shades are soooooo soooo amazing! I hope you save those and reuse them!

[@coldwarmercantile]

absolutely!

[@vilheim11]

@@coldwarmercantile glad to hear! So many people strip out the original character And it takes away from the history. I do architectural salvage, and I have so much stuff, just from remodels.

[@jstreutker]

26:15 That is a 1968 Nordmende Stereo AM/FM/SW and record player. Tubes. My parents owned one and had it for years.

[@DC-uo5hy]

My middle Son Mike in Galveston TX and my oldest Son Joe in Otto NC each live in their own warehouses with their families. They are both active businesses.

[@justinwhite9978]

I’m from the area also, excited to see the progress!