Bootmaker
John L. Maida
John L. Maida apprenticed under his father, Salvatore 'Sam' Maida, from about age 14 until Sam's death in 1901, and continued as Houston's leading boot and shoe maker. In 1906 he launched Houston Shoe Hospital, combining repair of factory-made footwear with a custom bootmaking business.
Known for
Founded Houston Shoe Hospital in 1906
Related: Maida's · Salvatore “Sam” Maida · Salvador J. Maida Jr.
Biography
History
John L. Maida was a Houston boot and shoe maker who apprenticed under his father, Salvatore ‘Sam’ Maida, by age 14 and continued until Sam's death in 1901; his father had sent for him by around age 10, roughly 1893. He went on to become, as the family's own company history puts it, Houston's premier boot and shoe maker, and in 1906 he launched Houston Shoe Hospital to repair factory-made footwear alongside his custom-footwear business.
The house he built carries on today as Maida's. A later-generation maker in the family, Salvador J. Maida Jr., is a different person. No death year for John L. has been found.
Sources
Identification and markings
Maker-specific markings guidance has not been documented yet. Preserve the complete stamp and compare it against dated sources.
Sources and references
Historical references are cited with the history above. Each catalog record includes its own supporting evidence.
Encyclopedia references: CowboyBootsDB and maker archives linked where available. Historical dates and attributions can vary by source.