Anne, 
Sounds like an interesting case. As others have pointed out, the practice has been documented in a number of areas, including the mid-Atlantic region. There is one from here in Delaware that was actually found 
in a public building! 

As to dating the shoes, I suggest you contact Al Saguto at Colonial Williamsburg. He is one of the leading authorities on historic footwear and its evolution. He would be able to give you an idea of the 
date range(s) of the shoes. He has also worked on other cache's of ritually concealed shoes, and is familiar with this practice. 

Were the shoes worn before being concealed? 

Chuck Fithian 

----- Original Message -----

From: "Anne Grulich" <[log in to unmask]> 
To: [log in to unmask] 
Sent: Wednesday, October 2, 2013 9:51:30 AM 
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.