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Powers & Son
John Powers came to Bellefonte, from Montreal, in 1848. For some years he worked in the Edward Graham, esq, working his way up to foreman. In 1866 and began the manufacturing of boots and shoes, in partnership with a Mr. McMahon, under the name of Powers & McMahon, on a limited amount of capital. In 1872 this partnership was desolved and he opened his own shop. By his industry, economy and honest dealings he soon acquired an enviable reputation as a manufacturer. He then added the retail department.
In 1875 John's son Edward became a partner in the business. He had graduated from the Bellefonte Academy and had spent three years on the bench, learning the "details of the work." Their shoes and boots were famous in and around Central Pennsylvania. Many customers, after moving south or west, would have Powers manufacture boots and shoes for them and have them shipped to their new residence. An 1879 Democratic Watchman article recounts just such an occurrence:
The boots and shoes made by Powers & Son of this place, have attained a world wide celebrity, and are worn from the Atlantic to the Pacific. From the golden shores of California comes the following demand:
San Francisco, 1879
Mr. John Powers: I have not been able to find any shoemaker in this coast who can fit me and give satisfaction. If you will do so at the usual prices which you have been charging me you may make me one pair summer shoes, light and dressy, and two pairs ordinary walking button gaiters, such as you know I wear. You have my measure, and I know I can rely upon you for perfect satisfaction. Have them wrapped and tied up nicely and forward to the following address: John Wyeth & Bro., 1412 Walnut street, Philadelphia to be forwarded to A. F. Downing & Son, San Francisco.
Yours very truly, James F. Sloan
By 1886, John was compelled to retire from active management of the business, "owing to his impaired health," so Edward purchased his father's interest, and became sole proprietor. Tragedy struck the operation in 1887, when fire destroyed the Bush Arcade, and along with it, their store located there.
John died in 1895, and was quickly followed to the grave by Edward in 1898, which ended the Powers shoe operation.
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