The origin of this store dates back to December, 1881, when Henry Siem opened a shoe store on the west side of Main Street between Fourth and Fifth Streets. Siem became a partner of Henry Rohr in 1886.

Chris Johnson, a native of Denmark, came to Manning in 1885 to work as a laborer on the Chicago Great Western Railroad. Johnson boarded with Henry Rohr. When Rohr discovered that Johnson was a shoemaker by trade, he suggested that Johnson work for Siem, as Manning was in great need of a shoemaker. Johnson continued there for two years, but then returned to Council Bluffs, where he had originally landed when coming to this country.

In 1888, C. Wehrmann purchased Rohr's interest in the business, and the name was changed to Siem & Co. Wehrmann became sole owner of the stock in 1890, and the firm's name was changed to Wehrmann's Shoe Store. Wehrmann retired in 1893, and his son William took over the store. William had served as manager and chief salesman for a number of years previously.

Henry Heckmann had a shoe shop in the rear of the store for a time.

In 1908, Johnson decided to come back to Manning, citing his fond memories of his two year stay earlier. He traded his Harrison County farm for Wehrmann's store and residence at 703 Third Street, and Wehrmann moved to the farm.

Johnson continued the store until 1939, when his son Clifford bought the business. He operated it until April 7, 1953, when it was sold to Emmett Mullen, W.G. Hallett, and M.B. Christiansen, all of Denison. Mullen managed the store for the new owners, and the name was changed to the Manning Bootery.

Mullen purchased the interests of his partners and became sole owner April 20, 1960. He and his wife Donna have three children, Thea, Marty and Rourke. They are members of the Manning Sacred Heart Church, and Emmett is a member of the Manning Chamber of Commerce.

The store is located at 306 Main Street.