Riser Boot and Shoe Shop

This building was the home and shop of George and Christiana Riser. They demonstrated their faith in Jesus Christ and in His living prophet by joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They lived what they believed by their work ethic and by providing meaningful work for other new converts in the city.

The restored two-story brick building looks small and solitary on its partial lot along Nauvoo’s Main Street. But, when the building was first completed in 1843, it was part of a vibrant garment manufacturing district full of shops making hats, suits, dresses, gloves, and other clothing. The 256 square feet of floor space (24 m²) was more than adequate for a shop that employed a master shoemaker and at least three apprentices from 1843 to 1846. The Riser family lived in two rooms upstairs and likely had a kitchen in the basement.

George Riser married Christiana Kull in 1841 in Marion, Ohio. Both George and Christiana were the children of German immigrants, and both spoke and read German as their first language. George had a successful shoe shop in Ohio, but when he learned of the Latter-day Saints, he and Christiana decided to move to Nauvoo to learn more. They were baptized in December 1842, two months after arriving in the city. While her husband worked in his shop making affordable shoes, Christiana looked to the needs of their growing family. The two also looked for ways to share their new faith. George invited his younger brother Johann to move to Nauvoo and join him in his shop. From his brother, Johann Riser learned the shoemaking trade and the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Johann later marched with the Mormon Battalion, and after both had relocated to Utah, the two brothers served German-speaking missions in Europe.

What to Expect

Riser Boot and Shoe Shop is a one-room tour of the workshop. The tour includes a demonstration of shoemaking. After the tour of Riser Boot and Shoe Shop, you will walk or drive over to the Taylor Home Print Shop and Post Office down the street to continue the Main Street Trades tour.

360° Walkthrough