(March 2, 2017) The Berlin Mayor and Council recognized longtime Berlin Shoe Box owner Jesse Turner during a public meeting on Monday.
Turner, who recently announced his retirement after almost seven decades in the industry, sat in the front row with his family, including his wife, Agnes, and two daughters.
Berlin Mayor Gee Williams called Turner a “very respected and loved member of Main Street, Berlin.”
“I can’t remember when I didn’t know Jesse, and I think most of us who live in town can say the same,” Williams said. “One thing that’s been consistent, regardless of what the town’s been through … Jesse has always been one of the most-consistent gentlemen we’ve ever had, and we thank you for that.”
Turner received a proclamation from the town. It stated he graduated from high school in 1949 and responded to a help-wanted ad for a “shoe shine boy.”
“He continued to work hard, learning the trade, advancing and becoming an experienced shoe cobbler, where he continued working for the next 68 years,” Williams read.
Turner purchased the Berlin Shoe Box in 1988 and became the first African-American shoe repair business owner in the town. His customers included the late Johnny Cash and former Vice President Spiro Agnew.
According to Williams, the business also provided prescription orthopedic shoes for disadvantaged citizens at a low cost and often made repairs at no charge.
Turner had his picture taken with the mayor and the framed citation, and with members of his family, before receiving a warm round of applause from audience in the council chamber.
Another ceremony honoring Turner will be held at the Berlin Visitor’s Center on 14 South Main Street today, Thursday, at 5 p.m.
“I’ll still be around,” Turner said, drawing a laugh, before exiting the room.
Turner, who recently announced his retirement after almost seven decades in the industry, sat in the front row with his family, including his wife, Agnes, and two daughters.
Berlin Mayor Gee Williams called Turner a “very respected and loved member of Main Street, Berlin.”
“I can’t remember when I didn’t know Jesse, and I think most of us who live in town can say the same,” Williams said. “One thing that’s been consistent, regardless of what the town’s been through … Jesse has always been one of the most-consistent gentlemen we’ve ever had, and we thank you for that.”
Turner received a proclamation from the town. It stated he graduated from high school in 1949 and responded to a help-wanted ad for a “shoe shine boy.”
“He continued to work hard, learning the trade, advancing and becoming an experienced shoe cobbler, where he continued working for the next 68 years,” Williams read.
Turner purchased the Berlin Shoe Box in 1988 and became the first African-American shoe repair business owner in the town. His customers included the late Johnny Cash and former Vice President Spiro Agnew.
According to Williams, the business also provided prescription orthopedic shoes for disadvantaged citizens at a low cost and often made repairs at no charge.
Turner had his picture taken with the mayor and the framed citation, and with members of his family, before receiving a warm round of applause from audience in the council chamber.
Another ceremony honoring Turner will be held at the Berlin Visitor’s Center on 14 South Main Street today, Thursday, at 5 p.m.
“I’ll still be around,” Turner said, drawing a laugh, before exiting the room.