SHENANDOAH -- The oldest business in Shenandoah is closing after a 116 year run.
The business was started in 1900 by Gregario Talerico after he immigrated from Italy. He opened Talerico's shoe repair shop on Coal Street in Shenandoah.
The business has been run by three generations of Talerico's.
It's now by Tom Talerico, 68. He's the grandson of the original owner.
Tom recently posted a sign telling his customers that after 116 years, the business is closing up shop, but it is not because of a lack of business.
In fact, business is booming more than the 68-year-old can handle. Tom Talerico simply hasn't been able to find an apprentice to take it over. He's tried for the past couple of years.
"Somebody could’ve done real good, but I couldn’t get anyone to learn it," said Tom Talerico.
Now, the 'iconic' shoe repair shop in Shenandoah plans to officially close at the end of August.
A parting present for customers, Tom Talerico is cutting off a branch of the shop's rubber jade plant for his customers to grow at home. So a piece of Talerico's will live on in their homes.
