The Globe-Democrat reported that, on this date, St. Louis was the leading maker of shoes in the world. With twenty new factories, they made 48 million pairs in 1905. Of course, many other Missouri communities were to have their own shoe factories.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.