BELFAST — Colburn Shoe Store celebrated its 185th anniversary Oct. 14, drawing a crowd of more than 300 to Belfast’s United Farmers Market, on Spring Street.  

The sound of excited chatter could be heard as soon as you walked through the door, often greeted by the store’s current owner Colby Horne, or his father, Brian Horne.

Both were handing out free tickets for a chance to win a number of prizes, including: a $185 gift certificate to Colburn, a 50/50 drawing, and multiple chances to win free shoes in variety of brands.  

The younger Horne took over the family business in May, with father Brian working as the owner of the store from 1986 until the recent hand off. Even before taking over ownership, Brian worked in the store beginning in 1972, when his own father bought it.

Colburn Shoe Store, the oldest shoe store in America, has been in the Horne family for five generations, though it was opened by W.T. Colburn in 1832.

The shoe store existed in an earlier version before being bought and renamed by Colburn.

Colburn eventually sold the store to his own son, who then went on to sell the store to Brian Horne’s great uncle in 1922.

Brian said he’s loved the 45 years he has spent with the store so far, a number that continues to grow as he continues his involvement, albeit in a slightly new capacity.

“After college I took a job at Thom McAn shoes, which was a big chain, and I worked with them for a couple years,” Brian said.

Eventually Brian’s father decided to retire and asked if him if he wanted to move back and take over the store. 

“I did ,” he said, “and it’s the best move I could have made.” 

The Horne family isn’t alone in their love of the shoe store, it is a sentiment shared by many, including the hundreds that joined the family for the official celebration.

One celebrant, Ken from Waldo County, said he has bought nearly every pair of shoes he has ever owned from Colburn. As for his reason, it’s not just the quality of the shoes being sold - which he said is better than any other local retailer offers. Instead he returns because of the welcoming environment.

“It’s easy,” he said,  “I go in and they know me, and I know them,” he said of Colburn’s relationship with its clientele.

Community relationships have always been important to the store, and it’s a value that continues to this day.

During a speech to the crowd, current owner Colby thanked a number of people, including the loyal customers who continue to help the store thrive.

“In a day and age where you can buy shoes from your cell phone and have them delivered to your door, and never leave your couch...you come to our store every single day. You come in and buy shoes, and that’s why we’re still here,” he said.

Representative Erin Herbig, of the Maine House of Representatives, also took the floor to hand over a certificate from the State of Maine recognizing the store’s achievement.

Herbig, who went to high school with Colby, told the crowd how proud she is of him and the Horne family, before presenting the framed certificate on behalf of the state.

“From the State of Maine and all of us, thank you so much. We’re so proud of you,” she said.

After choosing winners for each of the items raffled, the night’s DJ was replaced by live music from band Chris Ross and the North.

From a free taco bar to beer and wine, local pub Rollies provided sustenance for the larger than expected crowd.

The roughly ten large tables set up remained occupied throughout, with standing room soon the only option. Still, seating mattered little to a crowd whose main intention was to celebrate the longevity of a beloved local store.

The only constant sound of the evening was the dull roar of happy chatter and laughter, from a community always happy to celebrate the continued success of fellow Midcoasters.

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Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com