December 6th, 2022 is not only the 76th anniversary of a legendary Peoria business, George’s Shoeshine & Hatters - World Headquarters, it’s also the Peoria debut screening for a documentary about the owner of the aforementioned business, George Manias called, “George.”
The Peoria Riverfront Museum is hosting the screening and I got invited to it! So be on the lookout for a blog from the screening in Decmeber, but for now, let’s leave the MBIP World Headquarters and travel downtown to George’s Shoeshine & Hatters - World Headquarters!
Here we are at the legendary Shoeshine Parlor that’s been in business here in downtown Peoria for over 75 years.
It continues to shine on like a crazy diamond.
You go through a set of double doors that leads you into the doorway into George’s Shoe Shine Parlor!
As I walked in, I saw the man himself, George Manias, the man, the myth, the legendary owner of George’s Shoeshine and Hatters. Always great to see him!
And there were other people in the shoeshine gallery on this festive day, his brother Manny was there as well as Dave Southey who was dropping off George’s mail.
I’ve been friends with Dave and the Southey family for many years and it was great to see him and meet George’s brother Manny!
Here’s the poster for the documentary about George.
It’s simply titled, “George” and it’s directed by Matt Richmond and partially produced by the Peoria Riverfront Museum and one of the Executive Producer’s is John Morris, the President and CEO of the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
It’s a beautiful film about a legendary Peoria business and local personality who has been a part of so many people’s lives.
This place is known for shoe shining, but it’s also a hat emporium.
You could spend days in here looking at all of the photos and historical memorabilia that has built up through the years!
Okay, it’s time to get shined on, here’s the “before” photo of my ten-year-old boots that will be magically transformed by legendary shoeshiner, George Manias!
There he goes springing into action and he’s marvelously spry for a 91-year-old man. Proof that keeping busy keeps you young at heart.
And check out the “after” photo at the end. These decade old boots look like they’re brand new again, wonderful job, George!
After the shoeshine, Dave showed me a book that was published last year, commemorating George’s 75th anniversary last December.
I see some familiar faces including Ken Gerber and Dave himself! Very cool!
I’m really looking forward to seeing George on the big screen at the Peoria Riverfront Museum on December 6th.
Stay tuned for the update on that and thanks to George, Dave Southey and Manny for a fun afternoon at George’s Shoeshine & Hatters - World Headquarters!
——
George’s Shoeshine & Hatters - World Headquarters
101 NE Adams St.
Peoria
309-676-0624
——
Related Posts: Georges Shoeshine and Hatters World Headquarters, Third Annual Shoeshine and Saturday Storefront.