The Boettinger family operated a shoe store at this location on the west side of Hamilton from at least 1875 until 1931.  In later years the business of the store was carried out by Joseph and John Boettinger.  Eberhard Boettinger was the store's founder.

Henry Mallory's Gems of Thought and Character Sketches (1895) describes some of Hamilton's early
businessmen including Eberhard Boettinger:

"Eberhard Boettinger was, for many years prior to his death, a boot and shoe merchant on Main street, having made his appearance in Hamilton, unheralded;  but he was a man whose honesty and correct business principles soon brought him into notice, and his trade increased rapidly until he became the most prosperous dealer in his line in Hamilton.  He was so industrious and regular in his business habits, that he was never known to take any interest in outside matters.  Kind to everybody, it is doubtful if he ever spoke an evil word of any man in his life.  He was as innocent as a child, and his countenance was always literally beaming with charity and good-will toward all mankind." (p. 141)

 © 2000 by the Butler County Historical Society