It is our fall festival.  As the trench is right in the middle of the activities we would like someone to baby sit the exposed units.  We will have the signs and a table for a small display.  I know yu would be able to answer most questions.


KRD
 

-----Original Message-----
From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Skip Booth
Sent: Wednesday, October 02, 2013 11:20 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Concealed shoes in a Maine home

This article might help.
http://www.academia.edu/1771754/If_The_Shoe_Fits..._Analysis_of_Nineteeth_Ce
ntury_Shoes


Skip Booth
303 Ridgewood Rd. 
Linthicum, MD 21090

-----Original Message-----
From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Grulich,
Anne
Sent: Wednesday, October 2, 2013 9:52 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Concealed shoes in a Maine home

I'm investigating a cache of four likely mid-19th to late 19th century shoes
concealed between the wall and chimney of a small mid-19th century home.  I
have images, measurements, and descriptions if someone has expertise in
dating shoes. Unfortunately, there is no archaeological context. The cache
was discovered during extensive remodeling February 2013 and came to my
attention when they were brought to the local historical society. Tracing
the deed for the property is proving difficult prior to 1916, but we have an
idea of the families who used the house.  There are reports of additional
cached shoes in two neighboring houses.

I've found several intriguing articles online about the practice of hiding
shoes in New England, but nothing specific about dating shoes.  We are
considering 'repatriating' them to honor practice so I'd love to have a
better idea of when the shoes were made.

Thanks.

Anne Grulich
[log in to unmask]



*Four leather shoes*

*Shoe A*:

11" long x 4 ½" wide x 2" high at the heel

Stitched leather upper, 1 shoelace hole on each side, remains of shoelace
present; sole 'pegged' in single row to upper leather. Repaired with hand
sewn leather patch on left front. Flat toe. Heel.

 *Shoe B*:

10" long x 4" wide x 2" high at the heel

Stitched leather upper, 1 shoelace hole on each side; sole stitched to
leather upper inside shoe (not pegged). Rounded toe. No heel.

 *Shoe C*:

8" long x 3 ½" wide x 2 ½" high at heel

Stitched leather upper, 2 shoelace holes on each side, string tied through
holes. Sole 'pegged' in single row to upper leather. Flat toe. No heel.

 *Shoe D*:

6 ½" long x 3" wide x 2" high at heel

Stitched leather upper, 3 shoelace holes on each side; sole 'pegged' in
single row to upper leather. Flat toe. Heel.