The Shoemaker’s Son

The Shoemaker's Son

His Father’s Father taught him the trade. He would become an immigrant from Calabria Italy. Tragically, his parents were both killed in an earthquake that flattened their home before he ever knew them. It was by divine providence that Antonio survived. His crib was miraculously untouched underneath a collapsed wall. His grandfather dug through the rubble and pulled the infant child out with his bare hands. He was raised by the only surviving member of his family. Grandfather Enzo, who was a talented leather worker and shoemaker by trade. Antonio became a hardworking student that by age seven had learned how to tan leather hides and use a sewing machine. Enzo called Antonio his “Tesoro or treasure.” He taught him well and always stressed that quality work would be appreciated and would be a trade that could never be taken away from him. At age twelve he made his very first pair of shoes for himself. His dream was that of coming to America, where he was told the streets were paved with gold. At eighteen, his grandfather died, passing the business unto Antonio. There was little now keeping him in Italy. A Dictator named Mussolini was looking to join forces with Germany to rule the world. Through friends of his grandfather, he corresponded with them in America and secured a letter of sponsorship. It was in payment for a debt owed to Enzo. He came through Ellis Island with a small steamer trunk full of his tools of the trade, and the clothes on his back. It was 1939 and war was imminent.

He soon learned the streets of gold were an illusion and it would take hard work to establish himself there.

Antonio Amerigo Armani, the grandson of a peasant shoemaker, would soon become a trusted friend to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Antonio’s humble beginnings began in the Bowery of New York where initially his rent was bartered for with shoes made for the landlord's children. He was a true craftsman, turning common leather into works of shoe art. In his shop window were two of the best examples of Men’s and Ladies footwear samples of the day.

Each pair of shoes were custom made to order.The workmanship was exquisite. One pair would take Antonio three days. He soon became well known to the wealthiest and famous in NY City. Sports figures, politicians, mobsters and every member of high society. They found their way into his shop in the Brooklyn Bowery. The great boxer Joe Lewis ordered a pair of ring boots and drove from Detroit to be fitted. An autographed photo hung in Antonio’s modest shop. The finished boots were on display in his window, proclaiming who they belonged to. Adults and children gathered in hopes they would get a glimpse of the World Champion boxer when he returned to claim them. Antonio was a man of few words. His grasp of English was crude, not the best, yet he worked on it whenever he could. Still, he would enjoy a good conversation at the market in his native tongue. The area was full of Italian migrants all struggling to make their way in their new home America. He would never reveal a customer's name if it wasn’t their wish. He was a man of ethics and discretion. A lesson his Grandfather Enzo taught him, which he would never forget.

One morning, a limousine pulled up in front of Antonio’s shop. The driver entered and asked him to come out to the car. The rear door was opened and to Antonio’s shock and surprise sat the President of the United States, Franklin Roosevelt who greeted him with a hearty handshake. “Yes Sir Mr. President, how can I be of service?” FDR responded “Are you a man I can trust and to be discreet? “Of Course Sir Yes, you have a my word!” Said a stunned Antonio. “Very well, let’s go into your shop.” In this quiet hour in the neighborhood, and with the assistance of his driver the President walked slowly through the door using two canes. Antonio closed the window shades and locked the door. He brought out a sturdy wooden chair with arms for the President to be seated. Squatting to eye level, Antonio again asked how he could be of service.

Roosevelt lit his cigarette held by his signature holder between his teeth and began. “Antonio, I have seen examples of your shoes on members of congress. They referred me to you. And as much as I would like you to make me a pair of shoes from your finest leather, there is a more pressing issue that I’m here today for.” Taking a puff of his cigarette he continued. “Are you familiar with animal harnessing, straps and reins made from leather?” “Yes sir, I was raised by my grandfather in Calabria, Italy. We made harnesses of all types!” With a very serious tone the President asked “How about for a man?” Antonio looked confused, he had never constructed such a device. “You see Antonio, what I’m about to tell you must stay in this room. As President, it is imperative that I show no weakness in the public’s eye. They deserve and expect a strong leader. If they were aware of my affliction, it could put doubt upon them that I wasn’t fit for the job. Our Country is on the verge of war. It is coming. Europe is already feeling an invasion from Germany.”

Standing now with the use of his canes, Franklin explained to Antonio he had polio which has affected his ability to walk. He asked Antonio to design a set of leg supports and straps that would be comfortable, not bulky or to be seen by reporters. They would go over his shoulders like suspenders and help take pressure off his legs. Antonio listened carefully, then taking a tailor's tape measure he began writing down the information to fit the President for such a contraption. His harness making abilities would be of great help in its design. He also suggested making a more supportive shoe for the President. He could see the ones he was wearing were inferior. Franklin agreed and a pattern for new shoes was also made.

“I will be back in New York in two weeks, will that give you enough time Antonio?” Said the President. “I will do my best work for you sir. Thank You” Antonio beamed. A quick look out the door showed that the coast was clear and FDR was returned to his limousine and driven away.

Antonio was stunned by the visit. He immediately began putting his idea on paper. With a trip to the back room, Antonio returned with two hides. That of a bison and a horse to use. His heart raced as he expertly cut strips to be used. He reinforced the straps by stitching the outer edges. It was important that this harness would not be visible through the President's clothing. He had shaved the straps to make them more soft and flexible, yet strong enough to provide assistance to the President's weakened leg muscles. He forged small brass buckles and added numerous holes to allow for adjustment to the legs and calves. Although Antonio was pleased with his design, the true test was soon to come.

Exactly two weeks to the day a courier was sent to Antonio’s shop. His instructions were for Antonio to meet the President in Washington DC. Cabinet meetings made it impossible for his trip back to NY. Antonio boxed up the harness and shoes and was taken by a government airplane to Washington. It was his first time in an airplane as he took in the New York skyline.

Seeing the Statue of Liberty and Ellis island, he was overcome with emotions that brought tears to his eye. He imagined how proud his parents and grandfather would have been to see him now.

He was met by car and taken directly to the White House. It was apparent, the country was preparing for war as the grounds contained armed soldiers manning their posts. In his haste to leave, Antonio had no identification on him. A call by the guard to the President's secretary was enough to allow him to enter. Antonio was escorted to the upstairs residence where he was greeted by Franklin. Antonio thanked him for the opportunity to see the nation’s Capital and the airplane trip but Antonio was worried about leaving his shop unattended. Franklin assured him, things would be cared for back home with a wink. Setting the boxes on a table, and behind closed doors, Antonio held up the harness to show Franklin. His stature was six foot two inches tall, towering over the five foot six Antonio. Franklin slipped off his shirt, trousers and shoes as Antonio assisted him into the harness. Buckling the leg straps and adjusting the shoulder ones to become a comfortable fit. “Now Mr.President, please sit down.” From the second box he took out the tall brown leather shoes he designed for him. He explained and showed the extra support these would provide. Taking a shoehorn from his coat pocket, Antonio slipped each shoe on and laced them expertly up. Slowly the President rose to his feet. Antonio had to adjust the shoulder straps two more holes, then it was a perfect fit. Handing FDR his canes, he walked several steps then smiled “You did it Antonio!” “My legs no longer feel heavy,” he said. Antonio clapped with glee. Imagine, he was just a common immigrant who just assisted the President of the United States to walk! Only in America he thought!

They were soon joined by Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt who wanted to meet Antonio. She was pleased the new harness would make Franklin more ambulatory. She insisted Antonio stay as their guest and spend the night in the White House.

The president's butler Alonzo showed Antonio to his sleeping quarters. It was the biggest room he had ever stayed in! The butler returned with a rolling clothes rack with specifics for Antonio, a dinner jacket and slacks and the rest of the niceties he needed. He learned the White House clothier keeps extra attire available for traveling dignitaries so it was no trouble to accommodate him.

Antonio dressed for dinner and along with several military men joined the Roosevelts. Such a lavish dinner party, he felt strange to be a part of. Halfway through dinner, a messenger brought word that Germany had invaded Poland. The mood turned grim. It would only be a matter of time before the United States would somehow be drawn into this war. The President excused himself then gathered in another room with his military advisers that were present.

Mrs. Roosevelt kept the conversation going with the remainder of the guests. Also in attendance was the US diplomat from Italy. He was fluent in the Italian language and was happy to engage Antonio in a discussion of his homeland. The news from Italy was unpleasant, as the dictator Musillini was preparing for war and was said to want an alliance with Germany. The ambassador was not looking forward to returning to the American embassy there, if it was to remain open at all.

Antonio found it impossible to sleep that night. The magnitude of the day, the airplane ride and dinner at the White House, helping the President, all while knowing he was not to share any of this story! In the very early hours of the morning, Antonio slipped downstairs in hopes of having a glass of warmed milk to help him sleep. There in a darkened corner of a small breakfast nook area with only the glow of his cigarette sat the President. “Antonio, please come and join me” quipped the President. “I see I’m not the only one having difficulty sleeping tonight.” “Yes Mr. President, it has been Best day of my life.” Antonio proclaimed. A mug of warmed milk was brought to him as the two men spoke in the shadows of the night. Franklin continued “Antonio, How would you like to help your new country?” “Sir, it would be a great honor to help but I am not even a citizen of your country yet, I was told it will take a longtime for that to happen.” Said Antonio. “Indeed” added Franklin, “However we can clear this up now and rightly so!” Calling for his assistant Grace and apologizing to her for the hour, he asked her to call and have Justice Black come to the White House immediately!” With a sly grin and a wink, President Roosevelt told Antonio how he enjoyed waking others when he himself couldn’t sleep. The two men moved now to the Presidential Library with Antonio pushing Franklin in his wheelchair. Soon they were joined by Hugo Black, a sitting member on the Supreme Court. “Hugo, thank you for coming. I have here a very special friend and confidant of mine Mr. Antonio Amerigo Armani here who wishes to become a citizen of the United States.”

Justice Black, wiping the sleep from his eyes, acknowledged the request and in short order, Antonio was sworn in allegiance to his new country. This could not have been made anymore official by having a Supreme Court Justice swear him in and witnessed with papers signed by the President of the United States himself! Antonio stood in shock that such a momentous occasion would occur while he stood before the Justice wearing nothing more than pajamas, a robe and bedroom slippers! FDR applauded with a smile saying, “ There now Antonio, this is now Your Country too!” Franklin thanked and apologized to Justice Black before bidding him good night.

Antonio pushed the wheelchair once again, taking Franklin to his residence before he himself went back to his quarters. The sun was now just rising into his window. Antonio was certain this would be a busy day for him traveling back to New York.

That morning, Antonio dressed in his own clothes which he traveled with, made the bed and folded what was given to him neatly on the bed. He was then summoned to breakfast downstairs. There seated at the head of the dining room table was the President with a service for only two being set. The conversation was of a nature between them that was not allowed to leave these walls.

With an extremely serious tone Franklin began. “As you know Antonio, I'm in a very difficult position. With the war coming it is difficult to determine friends and foes. Even amongst those in the service of our Country have varying opinions and loyalties.”

“I believe you are a man I can trust unequivocally.” Antonio with a puzzled look having difficulty with such a strange word, Franklin added, “What I mean Antonio is I have no doubt that you are a man of conscious that I can trust completely.”

“Yes Mr. President, I won’t let you or my new Country down.” Said Antonio with a strong response.

Lighting his cigarette, Franklin continued.”What I am asking of you is to allow your government to set up a listening communications post in the basement of your shop in New York City.” “I want you to conduct your business as usual while we have analysts to be in contact with our overseas allies.” “What you must understand is you must NEVER divulge to anyone what happens in the basement.” You will have more than normal foot traffic entering your door. You will be instructed of a certain code word or phrase that you will allow them entry into the basement. Do you understand what I just said Antonio?”

“Yes Sir Mr. President, you can count on me.” With those words, Antonio was handed his official Citizenship papers, a passport and credentials to enter the White House anytime without question. “Thank You Sir!” After a hearty breakfast, Antonio was off to the airport where he was filled in on his new duties. Upon his return, he found the basement of his shop was already being modified to the government’s needs. A young Italian man named Tommaso was behind his counter to cover for Antonio in his absence. He noticed a foot buzzer behind the counter which had been installed to announce visitors to those in the basement. Most upsetting to him though was the presence of a loaded pistol under the counter shelf near the buzzer. Although he had learned how to handle a pistol back in Italy from his grandfather, the fact that it was there meant he could be involved in a most dangerous situation.

Antonio did as instructed, keeping his normal business hours and building the best shoes in America. His list of famous customers grew with the Bambino himself, Babe Ruth, followed by a young Gene Tierney, who would be called the most Beautiful woman in the movies. Their autographed pictures would hang on the same wall as boxer Joe Lewis. All the while under a veil of secrecy, government secrets and messages were relayed to the White House from his shop basement.

Antonio would be brought back to the White House on a regular basis. It seemed Mrs. Roosevelt’s love of shoes kept Antonio busy. The President always found time for Antonio’s visits, sometimes he was entrusted to bring documents handcuffed discreetly to his wrist and instructed to carry that pistol with him at all times.

As was the usual practice, Antonio would spend the night. His sleeping arrangement had changed as a foreign dignitary was now occupying his room. The late night meetings over warmed milk continued with the President on these visits. Italy had now entered the war, allied with Germany. Antonio expressed his sadness that his native Italy was being led down a destructive path. These cordial visits were especially welcomed by Franklin as he had no doubt in Antonio’s allegiance. Antonio taught the President an Italian card game called Machiavelli, which became a favorite pastime of the two. Franklin apologized for his wife Eleanor’s passion for shoes that kept Antonio so busy. While making his way back to bed, Antonio inadvertently opened the door to the bedroom he normally occupied. There, sitting in a chair wearing just an undershirt, boxers and sock garters sat a familiar face. Holding an empty crystal snifter, while engaged with a cigar, was the Prime Minister of England himself, Winston Churchill. He was probably one of the most recognized men in the world outside of President Roosevelt or Adolph Hitler. Before Antonio could even apologize, Churchill blurted out “My good man, would you see to filling my glass with cognac?” Without hesitation Antonio did as requested. He took the freshly opened bottle of Hine, advancing to fill the glass. Churchill’s eyes carefully watched him, giving a non verbal command that there was still room for more in that snifter. Realizing this was not the butler assigned to the Prime Minister, Winston then inquired as to who he was? “Hello Sir,” an excited Antonio replied. “I am a friend to the President.” “Antonio Amerigo Armani” “Ahhh” said Churchill, “You're the shoemaker I’ve heard so much about!”

“Perhaps you could be of service to my needs as well. I should like a pair of shoes made to measure of good calf’s leather, a sturdy hobnail sole and classic boot design.” “Of course Sir” Antonio replied, "I will measure you in the morning if that is acceptable?”

“Quite Right” replied the Prime Minister and off to bed went Antonio, now to the correct room.

The next morning, Antonio conferred with Churchill’s private butler and learned he was awake and would see him now.

Antonio armed with sturdy craft paper, tailors chalk and tape measure, he was led into the Prime Minister’s bedroom. Mr. Churchill looked rather tired. With a glance to the nearly empty cognac bottle sitting on the table, It was obvious that the drink Antonio had poured for him was not his last of that evening. The bedroom air was filled with stale cigar smoke that begged a window to be opened and the shades rolled up for adequate light for the shoemaker.

Quietly, Antonio went about his business making notes. A special request was made by Churchill for an ankle holster attached to his right boot to conceal a small pistol. He had fulfilled such requests before with a couple of notorious gangsters of New York which he would not name, but assured Churchill he was familiar with the design.

President Roosevelt, knowing Antonio had no family, invited him to join them for the Christmas of 1941. Antonio was delighted. The basement listening post was up and running causing little attention drawn to it.

The post was manned by three agents. Antonio rarely saw these men. The center was manned twenty four hours a day. The winter of 1941 in New York was rather harsh. Antonio longed for the sunshine of Italy, a country he could not visit any time soon. The seemingly endless shoveling the walkway gave him time to reminisce of his youth back home. His grandfather was stern but loving. A relationship he would always treasure.

As Antonio was on the buffing wheel with one of his latest creations, the radio station broke the news that Japan had bombed Pearl Harbor Hawaii. With the country now at war, taking the plane to DC was not an option at the moment. Antonio needed to now take the train. Although he carried a attaché case normally, he was worried he would attract more attention with that handcuffed to his wrist. Instead, using his leather making skills he designed a slim backpack, worn under his overcoat that was pickpocket proof. This allowed Antonio to keep his hands free during the trip. His loaded pistol as always, concealed from view.

The train station in Jersey City was jammed full of military inductees on route to their newly assigned base camps. The train was crowded, loud and filled with cigarette smoke. Antonio never experienced any of these conditions when brought to DC on an airplane. Being a shoemaker, Antonio couldn’t help himself gazing down on the train guests' footwear. Many wore the recognizable M-42 service shoe, men’s oxfords and work boots, the women wore Mary Jane’s, flats and peep toes. One pair being worn he immediately identified as those he made for Miss Gene Tierney. Although he could not see her face as she was being surrounded by servicemen anxious to make an impression with her, he struggled for a glimpse and sure enough it was her!

Quietly, Antonio spoke with the conductor. Showing him his official White House credentials, he told the railroad official it was imperative to move Miss Tierney to a more private location on the train. The conductor complied, moving her to a vacant lounge car where Antonio accompanied her. Her face lit up seeing Antonio now understanding why this special treatment was given her. “Miss Tierney” as Antonio extended his hand to her. She smiled and accepted his hand saying he was always such a gentleman!

She continued telling Antonio she was joining the USO tour and a publicity campaign for war bonds. She would be joining celebrities in Washington to make future plans to eventually be sent overseas to entertain the troops. When asked about his business going to the nation's capital, he explained that he had become the official shoemaker to the President and his wife. He asked for her discretion as he himself had been for her privacy. “Of course” was her reply. Sitting together for the next three hours gave the two ample time to get to know one another. Miss Tierney took a cocktail napkin and penciled in a sketch of a shoe design she would like. She included contact information where she could be reached. Antonio accepted the napkin and folded it into his coat pocket.

Later, as the cadence sounds of the rails became hypnotic to Miss Tierney, she rested against Antonio’s shoulder, falling into a safe sleep he now provided for her.

Antonio remained vigilant the remainder of the trip.

As soon as the train stopped, the conductor personally saw to it that Miss Tierney and her bags were loaded quickly into a taxicab. She waved from the back seat and blew a kiss for Antonio. He was happy she was now safely on her way.

While standing on the platform, he noticed a fellow that had been watching him getting off the train. He was certain it was the same individual he had noticed in the crowded shuffle leaving the train. For the first time, he slipped his hand into his coat pocket while making certain his pistol was at the ready if needed.

Antonio casually walked to the news stand and bought a paper. He tucked it under his arm all while keeping one eye on the stranger even closer now to him. He continued to walk down the corridor and waited for the man to advance. Antonio disappeared behind a column waiting. As soon as the stranger was within arms reach Antonio grabbed him by the collar of his coat, pressing his gun to his rib cage. “Why are you following me?” Shouted Antonio!

The stranger responded “Whoa, relax I’m with the President's detail. Taking credentials from his vest pocket, he explained the listening post had informed them you were on your way by train and he was there to ensure his safe arrival. Antonio breathed a sigh of relief. He had never found himself in a position like this but as a courier for the President he needed to face the possibility he may need to make a life or death decision at some point.

A car was sent from the White House and soon the two were safely inside. The agent introduced himself as Mitchell and apologized for not approaching him directly from the train, but following him for a time. All while observing if Antonio had himself been followed getting off the train.

Antonio was taken directly to the President who was sitting in his wheelchair gazing out lost in thought eyes fixed on the rose garden. Antonio approached, clearing his throat to gently announce his arrival. “Antonio! It is good to see you, my friend.”

Gone was the normal smile Franklin would show instead, it was replaced with a worrisome look. Incredibly in just a few days since the Pearl Harbor attack, Germany and Italy had now declared war on the United States. The weight of the world was now squarely on his shoulders. Antonio removed his suit coat and revealed the unique backpack he had designed to carry the secret documents. Franklin complimented Antonio on its design and flexibility for travel. The contents were removed and handed to a trusted aid.

The situation was rather dire, although war was expected, the United States was far from ready up for the effort. The Navy and Air Force lacked the ability to respond in force just yet. It would take months for manufacturers to retool for this war.

“Antonio, once again, I call on you to further serve your Country.” “Our coastal watch has observed a German Uboat entering our waters just outside Brooklyn at Coney Island. We believe their intent is to bring spies and saboteurs here to infiltrate and report on our defenses.” “However tomorrow night's mission is an arranged meeting with a group which shares no allegiance to Adolph Hitler. They in fact wish to plot against him and end the war of atrocities.” “I’m giving it to you straight. A meeting like this could go sideways if trust between the two parties is not established. It is the hope of this nation that you can bring them into a safe location for talks.”

Antonio understood this could be far more dangerous than anything he had ever done.

The story will continue in Part Two of The Shoemaker's Son

“Always free to all”