Miner G. Pauth, New York

~Special thanks to Darci for sharing this photo and permission to add.

The historical Shoemaker Tavern was built in 1768 before the Revolutionary War. It is also known as the Shoemaker House and later the Valley Tavern in the 1900's. A plaque was placed in front of the home in 1941 by the State Education Department.

This was the Pauth residence and temporary Robbins residence during the time period approximately late 1920's to 1930's. The home was located at 111 West Main Street, in the village of Mohawk, Herkimer county, NY, The landmark was destroyed by fire in 1975.

It was first occupied by our family in the late 1920's by Miner & Catherine Pauth, (George Robbins' inlaws) and their daughters Charlotte and Mildred. Including their married son Harry Pauth and his wife Effie Light.

George & Marguerite Robbins moved from Clinton, NY, with their 6 children abt 1930 to make the Shoemaker House their temporary residence with the Pauth families for approximately 6 months to 1 year.

My mother recalls vivid memories of this beautiful old home. The interior was decorated with victorian and turn of the century furniture. In approximately 1930 the house has a grand entry way and 2 large parlors. One entry way to the right and one to the left on each side of the house. From the left side entry way on the 1st floor (see photo) was a large dining room. The kitchen was in the back of the house. It had 2 sets of interior stairs. Entry from the left set of stairs led to Miner and Catherine Pauth's side of the house. The Robbins' side to the right. Mom shared an upstairs bedroom (far right) with her sister Virginia. 5 of the Robbins children had many of fun and good times riding the rail of the main wooden staircase from the 2nd to 1st floor. Baby Catherine Robbins was too young to experience the child play of riding the rail that was never permitted when the elders were in sight.

George & Marguerite Robbins and family lived here temorarily for approximately 6-12 months in the early 1930's. George found a new position at a knitting mill in the town Herkimer, NY and the Robbins family moved to their new home town.

My mother continued to visit her grandmother and grandfather Pauth through the years. Riding the trolley from Herkimer to the village of Mohawk on the weekends. One of the trolley stops was conveniently located in front of the old Shoemaker House.

This is the same Shoemaker House where the indians stayed when they came to town. My mother was a little girl then, early 1930's. As she recalls, "the indians rode into town in their covered wagons, full indian dress and attire, selling their medicine and tonics during the summer. The indians were always welcome at the Pauth residence. They parked their wagons on the Shoemaker House lot. They were Invited in to share meals and spend the night". Mom supposed the indians slept in their wagons.

It has been recorded in history that General George Washington had a luncheon under a tree at Shoremaker's Tavern in Mohawk Monday, July 29, 1783. Source: History of Herkimer County, page 405.

During the Revolutionary War, Shoemaker House was also a secret meeting place for the Tories. Where Lieutenant Walter N. Butler of St. Leger's Army, and twenty-eight soldiers and indians were captured by a party sent by Colonel Weston from Fort Dayton (German Flats). Source: History of Herkimer County.

Special thanks to the village of Mohawk's town historian, for sharing the published newpaper articles and history of this landmark and shrine.

Last updated 28 September 2013

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