Red Wing Shoe Museum, MN – 27 AUG 2012

I made a few side trips on my way back to Rock Island. First stop was at the city of Red Wing.
In Front of Drug Store
Home to the Red Wing Shoe Company was founded by Charles H. Beckman in 1905. 
Within 10 years they were producing more than 200,000 pairs of boots per year. They were the primary company manufacturing footwear for American soldiers during World War 1 and 2.
Although they make several styles of shoes, they are famous for their sturdy work boots, especially style 877.
World's Largest Boot
World’s Largest Boot (size 638 ½ D) is 7 feet wide, 104 foot lace. Each eyelet weights 4 pounds and it took 160 workers over 13 months to complete.
It was made in 2005 to celebrate the company’s centennial. Upstairs is a small museum of the company’s history and heritage.
They listed 32 films from 1978-2008.
They even had a small gift shop.
As I was leaving town, I saw this big guy...maybe his brothers supplied the leather for the boots.