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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.

  • Wedding Shoes, 1843

    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

    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.

  • Wedding Shoes, 1921

    Wedding Shoes, 1921

    Worn by Elizabeth Parke at her wedding to Harvey Firestone Jr. on June 25, 1921 in Decatur, Illinois.These are one of the earliest pairs of shoes we have in our collection from Mrs. Firestone. They are one of the few ready-to-wear pairs in the collection. Most of her shoes were custom made to match specific outfits. 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 f…

  • Women's white satin pumps with low French heels from the early twentieth century

    Women's white satin pumps with low French heels from the early twentieth century

    A pair of woman's white satin pumps with low French heels and pointed toes. The shoes have oval shaped pearl and rhinestone buckles on front. Part of Helen Joy Lee's wedding outfit, 1917. Embossed Alfred J. Ruby, Inc., 101 Washington Blvd., Detroit.

  • Women's off white, satin, high button shoes from the early twentieth century

    Women's off white, satin, high button shoes from the early twentieth century

    A pair of woman's off white, satin, high button shoes. The shoes have mother of pearl buttons, pointed toes, and medium heels. Marked inside: R.H. Fyfe Company. They were worn by the donor's mother, Mrs. Wm. Keane at her wedding, October 19, 1915.

  • Women's eggshell satin wedding pumps from the 1920s

    Women's eggshell satin wedding pumps from the 1920s

    A pair of woman's eggshell satin wedding pumps with a French heel, pointed toe, and pom-pom of curled chiffon on instep. Matches 81.14.1.