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  • 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.

  • Wedding Shoes, 1843

    A note found with these slippers identifies them as having been worn by Sarah Martense Shear at her wedding in 1843. These show a typical styling from 1830-1850-- a narrow square toes and ribbons that secure the shoe to the foot. Many wedding shoes were made of light colored fabrics that matched the wedding dress. However, tan and light brown shoes were very popular in this era. These are likely custom, handmade shoes.

  • Women's Boots, about 1870

    The machine stitching on these boots is extraordinarily tight and fine--fabulous. Very narrow outer sole for a long, skinny foot. They could be wedding boots. Donor Mrs. Ethel G. Douglas, of 5th Ave. in New York City, was born circa 1885 in Pennsylvania. It is plausible that these were her mother's shoes, perhaps worn at a wedding around 1875.