Benge’s Shoe Store is the oldest shoe store in the state and possibly the oldest shoe store west of the Mississippi River. Founded in October 1911, the business has been operated by three generations of the Benge family. Founder Bertrand Benge moved from Winterset, Iowa, to Grand Junction in 1910. His son Harry joined the company as a partner in 1935 and later became the owner. Bertrand’s grandson Bruce Benge became a partner in 1975 and the owner in 1977. The business originally began in a small building at 422 Main Street.