Historic Treasure of the Week - October 20, 1991
By Barbara Carney
Vigo County Historical Society
Historic Treasure of the Week - October 20, 1991
By Barbara Carney
Vigo County Historical Society
‘Eternal soles’ step onto history’s stage
In varying forms, "Eternal Soles" have been fitted onto feet and have walked over this earth since the beginning of time.
Shoes first were made hundreds of years ago from bark, leaves and animal skins to protect feet from rought land and adverse weather. The need continued, but shoe making soon was governed by a very human characteristic--vanity or fashion.
The "Footwear from the Past" display at the Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley begins with shoes worn in the 19th century, a time regarded as the most important period in the history of shoemaking.
Elias Howe invented the sewing machine in 1864; then Isaac Singer added the foot treadle. In 1858, when Lyman Blake invented a machine for sewing soles and uppers together, the mass production of shoes began to take off.
The museum’s display includes several examples of shoes worn during the Victorian period, such as the short boot for men and the high-top laced shoe for women. There is an example of the plain brown high top, round-toed oxford, reminiscent of the Gibson girl of the 1890s. Buttoned boots also are shown, along with their necessary button hook.
The 1920s are well represented with daytime as well as party shoes. A beautiful pair of black satin shoes with silver beading was purchased at the Walk-Over Shoe Store in 19918 by Mrs. Estil Roth of South Seventh Street.
Of special interest is a pair of ladies’ shoes in gray and silver brocade. The shoes were worn to President Herbert Hoover’s inaugural in 1929 and were given to the historical museum by Mrs. Robert Slinkard.
A pair of gold kid boots from the Ijams-Benbridge estate are intriguing. They have open work in the front with 14 buttoned straps.
Giving a light touch to the exhibit are several pairs of "graduation shoes" worn from 1910 to the mid-1920s. These are in pastel satin, often with a satin flower in front.
A sentimental pair of suede shoes was worn by Mrs. Wayne Schomer’s mother, Grace Walker, for her wedding in 1911. The came from what was called Walk-Over Boot Shop, 651 Wabash Ave.
The ‘50s are represented by navy and white saddles and the loafer.
The wide clunky heels of the’70s are shown in three colorful sandals and red, 2-inch heels loaned by Kay McAleese and Margie Prothero.
The exhibit includes an interesting collection of baby shoes, from crocheted booties to high-top leathers. Highlighting the group is a pair of baby shoes belonging to Capt. William Earle, who was born Sept. 22, 1818, in Terre Haute. Some historians say he as the first male child born in Terre Haute.
Accompanying the diverse group of shoes is a collection of hose and satin and lace garters. The hose are made of cotton, silk and mesh, and in shades of white, pastels, black and brown. An unusual pair of plaid hose was loaned by Mary Alice Kleuh.
"Footwear from the Past" is on display in the Vigo Room at the museum.
The Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley, 1411 S. Sixth St., is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.