I was recently reading a story at Downeast.com about two brothers who are among Maine's cobblers. A cobbler is a person who mends shoes.  

We are fortunate in central Maine to have these two; one is in Skowhegan, and one in Downtown Augusta. 

In Skowhegan, Dick LaCasse runs LaCasse Shoe Repair, a business he took over from his father. His brother, Tom LaCasse, has Tom Finn Shoe Repair in Downtown Augusta that he bought in the mid-'80s.

The industry has changed a lot over the years, and, let's face it; many shoes are simply meant to be tossed. But our more expensive shoes, the shoes we LOVE, it is nice to have someone we can go to, and they keep them going. Cobblers are doing many things like resoling boots or shoes, fixing a strap on a favorite pair of sandals, and according to the story in Downeast Magazine, they can build shoes with different sole highs to custom fit those shoes to fits the need of their client.

I have used Tom Finn Shoe Repair in downtown Augusta a few times. I have this pair of fuzzy Mukluk winter boots I love.  My boots have this lace-up detail on the toe and up the front. Each of the loops has come loose at some point. So those first few years I owned those boots, I had them in the shoe a few times to get the loops re-attached.  

The story at Downeast.com is great and high-lightes two guys keeping this art alive. And the photos are great…but what else would you expect… Dave Dostie of Augusta did them. He is a fantastic photographer. 

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KEEP READING: Here are the most popular baby names in every state

Using March 2019 data from the Social Security Administration, Stacker compiled a list of the most popular names in each of the 50 states and Washington D.C., according to their 2018 SSA rankings. The top five boy names and top five girl names are listed for each state, as well as the number of babies born in 2018 with that name. Historically common names like Michael only made the top five in three states, while the less common name Harper ranks in the top five for 22 states.

Curious what names are trending in your home state? Keep reading to see if your name made the top five -- or to find inspiration for naming your baby.

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