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

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  • čas přidán 18. 02. 2022
  • 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
    coldwarmercantile@gmail.com

Komentáře • 889

  • @MoDave82
    @MoDave82 Před rokem +6

    Good to see folks restoring instead of demolition

  • @rcs3030
    @rcs3030 Před rokem +5

    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.

  • @troyalger1603
    @troyalger1603 Před rokem +2

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

  • @haggardhearts
    @haggardhearts Před 2 lety +116

    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
      @coldwarmercantile  Před 2 lety +20

      Great to hear stories about it. Thx

    • @jamesclarke6861
      @jamesclarke6861 Před 2 lety +12

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

    • @sonjacrowell9896
      @sonjacrowell9896 Před rokem +7

      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
      @carolynjordan4633 Před rokem +1

      y

    • @Mindsi
      @Mindsi Před rokem +2

      Jumanji script, did u find the game?

  • @skipstein744
    @skipstein744 Před rokem +2

    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!

  • @loro3849
    @loro3849 Před rokem +7

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

  • @keithlane7471
    @keithlane7471 Před rokem +7

    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
      @coldwarmercantile  Před rokem +2

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

  • @fanndisgoldbraid3183
    @fanndisgoldbraid3183 Před rokem +3

    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.

  • @erikh9991
    @erikh9991 Před rokem +2

    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!!

  • @annieo9468
    @annieo9468 Před rokem +5

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

  • @tete7958
    @tete7958 Před 2 lety +41

    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.

  • @mistydawnhopkins
    @mistydawnhopkins Před 2 lety +46

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

  • @RoadsideDown
    @RoadsideDown Před 2 lety +35

    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!

  • @vestel777
    @vestel777 Před rokem +10

    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.

  • @dspine6
    @dspine6 Před rokem +4

    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
      @dspine6 Před rokem +2

      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.

  • @tommygunn3063
    @tommygunn3063 Před rokem +1

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

  • @donaldrempel32
    @donaldrempel32 Před rokem +3

    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. 👍

  • @ProsperityInChristChurch

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

  • @BEV0323
    @BEV0323 Před rokem +2

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

  • @richardcline1337
    @richardcline1337 Před rokem +2

    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.

  • @geneva760
    @geneva760 Před rokem +9

    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
      @gorillaau Před rokem +1

      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!

  • @amyh.2020
    @amyh.2020 Před rokem +3

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

  • @mcgjohn22
    @mcgjohn22 Před rokem +4

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

    • @coldwarmercantile
      @coldwarmercantile  Před rokem +1

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

  • @RENunez-sd6ov
    @RENunez-sd6ov Před rokem +14

    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
      @leoross5777 Před rokem +3

      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
      @missingremote4388 Před rokem +1

      He should use 10 x 12 glass to repair the windows

  • @SagebrushRambles
    @SagebrushRambles Před rokem +2

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

  • @stevenchildress9545
    @stevenchildress9545 Před rokem +22

    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.

  • @susanmayberry2763
    @susanmayberry2763 Před rokem +3

    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.

  • @billierenshaw3302
    @billierenshaw3302 Před rokem +2

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

  • @traceypotts9425
    @traceypotts9425 Před rokem +2

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

  • @NorthernStruggler
    @NorthernStruggler Před rokem +2

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

  • @stratocaster1greg
    @stratocaster1greg Před rokem +2

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

  • @randycrager4074
    @randycrager4074 Před rokem +1

    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!

  • @thewoodworkersjourney3314

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

  • @phillymdm
    @phillymdm Před 2 lety +7

    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

  • @SledDog5678
    @SledDog5678 Před rokem +2

    What a fun time looking through the items.

  • @elsinore79
    @elsinore79 Před rokem +8

    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.

  • @MikeMoore1
    @MikeMoore1 Před 2 lety +7

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

  • @tackyisme
    @tackyisme Před 2 lety +4

    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.

  • @tiktok11150
    @tiktok11150 Před rokem +8

    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.

  • @larrysmith4918
    @larrysmith4918 Před rokem +3

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

  • @terrywilliams667
    @terrywilliams667 Před 2 lety +2

    Wow! Congratulations! What a find!

  • @notdavidbender
    @notdavidbender Před 2 lety +2

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

  • @kevinturner6495
    @kevinturner6495 Před rokem +2

    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
      @coldwarmercantile  Před rokem

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

  • @cindyebinger2108
    @cindyebinger2108 Před 2 lety +14

    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
      @coldwarmercantile  Před 2 lety

      Thanks for the well wishes!

    • @alphatwist2191
      @alphatwist2191 Před 10 měsíci

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

  • @richardfettig5974
    @richardfettig5974 Před rokem +2

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

  • @johnjon1823
    @johnjon1823 Před rokem +1

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

  • @justinwhite9978
    @justinwhite9978 Před 2 lety +2

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

  • @rrl4245
    @rrl4245 Před 2 lety +10

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

  • @lydia-marylivingston5916
    @lydia-marylivingston5916 Před 2 lety +3

    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
      @coldwarmercantile  Před 2 lety +1

      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
      @lydia-marylivingston5916 Před 2 lety

      @@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!

  • @baskets8429
    @baskets8429 Před rokem +1

    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

  • @KatyLiedToMe
    @KatyLiedToMe Před rokem +1

    excited to watch your journey

  • @brynmusselwhite481
    @brynmusselwhite481 Před rokem +2

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

  • @richardatteberry1249
    @richardatteberry1249 Před rokem +1

    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
      @coldwarmercantile  Před rokem +1

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

  • @baskets8429
    @baskets8429 Před rokem +1

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

  • @jamestongas3554
    @jamestongas3554 Před 2 lety +4

    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
      @coldwarmercantile  Před 2 lety +1

      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!

  • @imaginetraveltours
    @imaginetraveltours Před 2 lety +2

    Wow Huge! huge project. cool left overs :-)

  • @staceypankratz5032
    @staceypankratz5032 Před rokem +1

    What an incredible building to restore!!

  • @shartne
    @shartne Před rokem +2

    That was interesting thanks for posting. I hope you can eventully get it cleaned and fixed up.

  • @durango88
    @durango88 Před rokem +4

    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

  • @brianshields7137
    @brianshields7137 Před rokem +1

    The ground floor would make a magnificent craft and farmers market

  • @kathybrandt6060
    @kathybrandt6060 Před rokem +1

    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

  • @Olds_Gold
    @Olds_Gold Před rokem +2

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

  • @charlottegano1075
    @charlottegano1075 Před 2 lety +2

    This is so cool! Best of luck to you!

  • @jackdumas9563
    @jackdumas9563 Před rokem +2

    Wow- What a Beautiful Building -

  • @enragedamerican2079
    @enragedamerican2079 Před rokem +10

    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.

  • @jerrypearce5920
    @jerrypearce5920 Před 2 lety +3

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

  • @LSteen-yp6nl
    @LSteen-yp6nl Před rokem +1

    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
      @coldwarmercantile  Před rokem

      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.

  • @howlingwind1937
    @howlingwind1937 Před rokem +4

    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.

  • @jingojanga73
    @jingojanga73 Před rokem +3

    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 👍

  • @roycedare352
    @roycedare352 Před 2 lety +1

    I would love to go through there!!!! I grew up there and always wanted to go through it.

  • @Sparrow_Bloodhunter
    @Sparrow_Bloodhunter Před 5 měsíci +1

    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
      @coldwarmercantile  Před 5 měsíci

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

  • @deeringkendrick8388
    @deeringkendrick8388 Před 2 lety +1

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

  • @ruthboardman1189
    @ruthboardman1189 Před 2 lety +23

    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!

  • @caracassady7671
    @caracassady7671 Před 2 lety +4

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

  • @richardvinsen2385
    @richardvinsen2385 Před rokem +3

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

  • @MegaDknox
    @MegaDknox Před rokem +1

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

  • @terrykinnett6984
    @terrykinnett6984 Před rokem +1

    wow i am going going to be watching this , thanks

  • @bearhardcorepicker
    @bearhardcorepicker Před 2 lety +5

    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
      @coldwarmercantile  Před 2 lety +2

      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.

  • @keithm6117
    @keithm6117 Před rokem +2

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

  • @christianmccollum1028
    @christianmccollum1028 Před 2 lety +1

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

    • @coldwarmercantile
      @coldwarmercantile  Před 2 lety +2

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

    • @christianmccollum1028
      @christianmccollum1028 Před 2 lety +2

      @@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!

  • @blipblip88
    @blipblip88 Před rokem +1

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

  • @karenchilders2449
    @karenchilders2449 Před rokem +1

    I loved Buster Brown shoes!!

  • @barbarapetersen6241
    @barbarapetersen6241 Před rokem +1

    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".

  • @michaelvelik8779
    @michaelvelik8779 Před rokem

    Wonderful amount of natural light in that old factory building.

  • @mattbannan637
    @mattbannan637 Před rokem +1

    GREAT BUY!!!

  • @johnrutledge3892
    @johnrutledge3892 Před rokem +1

    Awesome !

  • @CM-sy3to
    @CM-sy3to Před rokem

    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.

  • @derekfairminer4263
    @derekfairminer4263 Před rokem +1

    Wonderful looking building and a very interesting project, well done.

  • @Ray-dt7wo
    @Ray-dt7wo Před rokem

    Thank you for sharing

  • @coreymastersptc
    @coreymastersptc Před rokem +1

    Amazing building!

  • @rockyhall7368
    @rockyhall7368 Před rokem +1

    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.

  • @judechopper
    @judechopper Před rokem +2

    You got stuff and lots of it, cool!

  • @ckilgore
    @ckilgore Před 2 lety +1

    Whoa! So cool. We also live in Charleston. Excited to see something happen with it.

  • @Mtlmshr
    @Mtlmshr Před rokem +1

    Heck of a project!

  • @Sonny_Eclipse
    @Sonny_Eclipse Před rokem

    Very interesting I just love old stuff, the old buildings, the old cars, the old tools, the old furniture…,

  • @joegilly1523
    @joegilly1523 Před rokem

    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
      @coldwarmercantile  Před rokem +1

      Thanks, did someone repurpose the building?

    • @joegilly1523
      @joegilly1523 Před rokem +1

      @@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.

  • @williamthedriller1546
    @williamthedriller1546 Před rokem +2

    Very good video....relaxing and interesting

  • @kimpforr4453
    @kimpforr4453 Před 2 lety

    I believe my Grandma worked there years ago! Chris, this is super cool!

  • @jefferymatthew2776
    @jefferymatthew2776 Před rokem +2

    Beautiful old building tons of history probably going to be a little longer then a 5 yr project keep up the good work

    • @coldwarmercantile
      @coldwarmercantile  Před rokem +1

      SHHH! don't say that! Just kidding. Thanks for the well wishes.

  • @oldtop4682
    @oldtop4682 Před rokem +2

    You have a BUNCH of work ahead of you! Just bumped into this and can't wait to see more (Subscribed). I gotta tell you, I'd replace that solenoid and get that lift working (and inspected). It would save more time than you think. Some of those 70s colored sinks and such are actually coming back in style. I don't have any idea why, but you may be able to get a buck or two off that stuff. Lots of stuff that can be repurposed in there.
    And yeah, I had Buster Brown shoes as a kid. I had no idea until today that they were still being made.