[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15556]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO SCHAGEN'S SHOES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 12, 2007

  Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to call to your attention 
the work of an outstanding business, Schagen's Shoes, which will be 
closing its doors after 117 years of dedicated service to its clients, 
and by extension, to the greater community.
  It is only fitting that Schagen's Shoes and the Schagen family be 
honored in this, the permanent record of the greatest democracy ever 
known, for all they have provided to the residents of Paterson as they 
fulfilled their American Dream.
  The history of Schagen's Shoes began in 1888, when Willem Schagen 
arrived in Paterson, NJ from the Netherlands. Having been an apprentice 
shoemaker in his native land, he decided to open a shop at 176 Lewis 
Street. At this shop he repaired shoes, but it was sales of ``ready 
made'' shoes that really made the business take off. In 1894, Willem 
married Reinoutje Eelman and built a house, said to be the first in the 
area with indoor plumbing, across from the shop. In 1909, Willem had 
another building erected at what is now 394 21st Avenue. It housed the 
business, an apartment for the family upstairs, and an attic, which 
later became a third floor to accommodate his 10 children.
  With the move, business grew, and in 1917 Willem's son Albert joined 
in the store. Soon, Albert married Rose Zuercher, and they had 2 
children, Albert William and Rose Claire. Albert brought new ideas, 
adding comfort and orthopedic shoes. In 1930, Willem and Reinoutje 
moved to a new home in Glen Rock, and Albert and Rose moved above the 
store. In 1943, when Willem passed away, Albert assumed ownership of 
Schagen's and remained actively involved there until his death at the 
age of 93.
  In 1948, after graduating from East Side High School, serving in the 
United States Navy, and graduating from Columbia University, Albert 
William joined his father in the business. He, too, brought fresh 
ideas, and Schagen's began to emphasize corrective shoes and appliances 
for children. In 1951, Albert married Mina Heines, a fellow Paterson 
native, and they purchased a home in Glen Rock, where Albert still 
resides. They were blessed with a daughter, Wendy and two sons, Donald 
and Kurt. In 1963, young Albert became the new proprietor.
  Over the years, the clientele of Schagen's has represented a cross 
section of Paterson and the region. It has included professionals, 
doctors, lawyers, judges and political leaders, as well as many 
tradesmen and service personnel. The final owner, Albert W. Schagen, 
who devoted 6 decades to this multi-generational family business, 
retired on March 31, 2007, writing the final chapter of Schagen's 
Shoes' history. Schagen's Shoes was a vital part of the community for 
117 years, and the generations of customers that were served so well 
over the years will surely miss the dedication and expertise of the 
Schagen family.
  The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing the efforts of family 
businesses like Schagen's Shoes.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, the members of the 
Schagen family, all those who have been touched by their caring 
service, and me in recognizing the outstanding contributions of this 
business to the Northern New Jersey community and beyond.

                          ____________________