Deluxe Shoe Shine Parlor

The Deluxe Shoe Shine Parlor was located on First Avenue next to the Venetian Theater. It was owned and operated by Rufus and Bessie Hale. The Hales came to Albany in 1931 and were domestic employees until opening their business in 1939. Soldiers from Camp Adair were good customers during World War II. Rufus died in 1970, but Bessie continued operating the business until her death in 1991.

The museum displays a shoe shine chair and other equipment as well as photos and newspaper articles about the Hales.