Randy Beutler Board of Director | Oklahoma Historical Society
Randy Beutler Board of Director | Oklahoma Historical Society
In Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma Historical Society's John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick Research Center will host a presentation in honor of Veterans Day. Scheduled for November 13 from 1-3 p.m., the event titled "The Shoemaker" will be held at the Musser Learning Lab within the Oklahoma History Center.
Retired Army Major Joe Lee Todd, also a member of the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame, will discuss his book "The Shoemaker." The book is based on extensive interviews with Louis Kerbel, whose life it chronicles. Kerbel was born in Ukraine in 1888 and worked as a shoemaker in Russia before immigrating to the United States in 1911 with only 75 cents. By 1914, he had settled in Oklahoma, opening a shoe shop in downtown Tulsa. During the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, Kerbel assisted many African Americans by hiding them in his shop due to his own experiences with violence in Russia.
Todd aims to highlight Kerbel's resilience and patriotism through this presentation. Following the discussion, attendees can have their copies of "The Shoemaker" signed by Todd. The book will also be available for purchase at the event.
Attendance is free but requires prior registration due to limited seating. Interested individuals can register by calling 405-522-5225 or emailing research@history.ok.gov.
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