If you've been doing something since 1949, then you probably know what you're talking about. I always wanted an excuse to check out one of those mom and pop shops in the heritage part of Thornhill. So I took my boots in for a pre-winter restoration. I felt all high and mighty, thinking my boots will keep this guy in business. It turned out he was doing quite well without me. He said they didn't need any work but suggested a special waterproofing oil, which I bought (probably could have found something substantially cheaper at Walmart but what the hey). He could have easily taken them in and returned them back unchanged for some quick cash. I appreciated the decency. I guess you don't stay in business for as long as he has by ripping off the townsfolk. The experience was quite neat. The old smells and the charming craftsmanship took me back to the bazaars of the old country. I couldn't help but get a bit nostalgic.