Mild Mannered Shoeshine Boy

Shoeshine Boy was the alter ego of Underdog, one my favorite cartoon characters as a child. I conjured his image recently as I sat peacefully on our Ephtée polishing seat shining up our display shoes.

I enjoy polishing shoes it’s relaxing. I enjoy working with my hands, as well as the turpentine smell of Saphir, and admiring the fruits of my labor. I couldn’t help notice that passersby stopped to watch me as I worked. I’m not sure what the fascination is, perhaps the primordial use of ones hands performing manual labor is enough to provide a moment of reflection and respite in a busy world.

Shoeshine Boy - Leffot

The Ephtée Figaro polishing seat is extremely comfortable and perfectly designed for its purpose. You are welcome to stop by and try it out for yourself. If a polishing seat is not your style you may want to consider a leather-polishing map. These two maps keep your work area neat and clean and roll up for easy storage.

Ephtee Polishing Maps - Leffot

Whether on a seat or not I strongly encourage you to take an interest and polish your own shoes; I think you’ll find the results very satisfying. For you newbie’s be brave, be adventurous you’re not alone, and if you find yourself in a jam, “Have no fear Underdog is here.”

Narrator: One of the city’s most humble and lovable characters was… Shoeshine Boy.
Shoeshine Boy: [finishes shining a man's shoes] All finished, sir.
Man: [gives Shoeshine Boy a silver coin] Thanks, Shoeshine Boy, you’re humble and lovable.
Shoeshine Boy: Bless you, sir.
[bites coin]
Narrator: Little did anyone know that whenever there was a call for help…
Woman: Help! Help-Help!
[Shoeshine Boy's ears perk up in surprise]
Narrator: Shoeshine Boy became, in real life…
[Shoeshine Boy runs into a telephone booth, which explodes, and he emerges as... ]
Narrator: Underdog!

8 Responses to “Mild Mannered Shoeshine Boy”

  1. Sok Says:

    ♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪ Speed of lightning! Roar of thunder!♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪ it’s Steven Taffel aka Shoeshine Boy! Very Humble and Lovable ♥ indeed!! Does that make Hiroko, Sweet Polly Purebread? Somehow I can’t imaging her saying, “Oh where, oh where has my Underdog gone?” but maybe it’s possible?? :) Great photo and description Steven! Hope all is well with you and Polly aka Hiroko! ☺ I’ve been admiring the photos of fabulous shoes in your facebook posts and the blog. See you both soon!

  2. steven Says:

    Hey Sok,

    Great to see Underdog spans the gen gap lol. Thanks for the great references I hope to see you soon.

    Steven

  3. Gui Says:

    Are you wearing a pair of G&G Astaire on this photo ?

  4. Speedmaster Says:

    LOL, I like it. ;-)

  5. Mr. Hythe Says:

    “For you newbie’s be brave, be adventurous you’re not alone . . .”

    And you if want to transcend “adventurous,” go ahead and use navy polish on your Color #8 shells!!!

  6. steven Says:

    Gui
    Nice call

    Steven

  7. steven Says:

    Mr Hyde
    I have yet to try that. I may do it today. I’ll report back

    Steven

  8. Mr. Hythe Says:

    Not too much!!!! Just a little. Horsehair brush before and after!

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