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  • Wedding Slippers, about 1830

    Wedding Slippers, about 1830

    An attached mailing label reads: "From B. Shinberg, Gilbert Shoe Co., 151 Essex St., Haverhill, Mass." An included note indicates that that these were wedding slippers worn by a Mrs. Davis of Cambridge, MA around 1830. Shape of heel and toe suggest that the 1830 date is appropriate. White slipper/shoes such as this were typically used at weddings. The very slight wear corroborates this use.

  • Women's Shoes, about 1840

    Women's Shoes, about 1840

    Delicate slippers such as these were used by ladies in the early Victorian period with fashionable dress. These tied on to the ankle, much as some ballet shoes do today. These types of shoes were notoriously unhealthy-- they quickly became damp and soiled, provided no foot support, and were occasionally purchased a size or two too small so that thewearer's foot appeared dainty. It was all about looking great; women were not expected to be comfortable or accommodated by their dress.

  • Shoes, 1955-1965

    Shoes, 1955-1965

    Mrs. Firestone surely wore these shoes in summer. Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1897 Elizabeth Parke married Harvey S. Firestone Jr., son of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, in 1921.Once described by a friend as, "the most luxurious woman in the history of luxury," Elizabeth Parke Firestone's clothing collection illustrates her impeccable taste in fashion.

  • Shoes, 1950-1960

    Shoes, 1950-1960

    The heel shape of these shoes suggests that Mrs. Firestone wore them closer to 1950 than 1960. Whatever the year, the color tells us that they were certainly worn during the summer. It is traditionally thought of as inappropriate to wear white shoes after Labor Day. Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1897 Elizabeth Parke married Harvey S. Firestone Jr., son of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, in 1921.Once described by a friend as, "the most luxurious woman in the history …

  • Women's Shoes, about 1800

    Women's Shoes, about 1800

    These are one of the few pairs of 18th century women's shoes in our collection. The extremely pointed toes, small "Italian style" Louis heel, metallic braid and sumptuous trim indicate a late 18th to early 19th century date. These are expensive shoes made for an affluent woman of taste.