Flood Tested. Small Town Approved.

Aug 1

A Visit with Rob Schafer in Historic Downtown Marietta, Ohio

Downtown Marietta isn’t just charming. It’s seasoned. Tucked along the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum rivers, it is one of the oldest towns in the Northwest Territory — founded in 1788 by Revolutionary War veterans with grit in their bones. Since then, Marietta has seen generations of change… and more than a few feet of river water.

In fact, if you’re standing in Schafer Leather long enough, Rob or Karen might point out the flood lines still visible inside the store. They’ll tell you about 1913, when the water reached three feet onto the second floor. About 1937, when it rose to the ductwork. About 2004, still fresh in memory, when friends and neighbors showed up with buckets, boots, and grit to help sweep the mud right out the front door.

That’s just how it works here.

The building Schafer Leather sits in today was rebuilt in 1884 after a flood took out the original. And it was built smart — with a six-inch taper in the floor and no drywall to tear out. Everything inside is designed to get hosed off, cleaned up, and put right back to work. No flash. Just function. It’s still standing, still selling, and still entirely local.

Watch the Walkthrough

We sat down with Rob for a walk-through of the store and a firsthand look at Schafer Leather’s flood-tested past. You’ll hear stories from over a century of river rises and small-town resilience — and you’ll see what makes this place more than just a retail shop.

Clcik Here 2025 Boot Sale

If You’re a History Buff…

Ask Rob or Karen to show you the photo album next time you’re in. It’s always on standby behind the counter. Filled with waterlines, cleanup snapshots, and the kind of stories you don’t get from brochures. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, it’s a piece of living Marietta history worth flipping through.

While You’re There — Don’t Miss the Boot Sale

From August 13 through August 16, Schafer Leather will hold its biggest sale of the year — 20% off all boots, with layaway available. That includes men's, women's, kids', work, fashion, and western styles — even boots already marked down.

It’s an annual tradition, and it gets busy — so plan ahead, come early, and find your next favorite pair.

Out of town? Make a day trip of it and explore the many other shops and locally owned restaurants that downtown Marietta has to offer.