New Hampshire: Late 19th Century Facts About Footwear

FACTS ABOUT FOOTWEAR
Fashions changed; and “the whirligig of time” brings about many other things besides “revenges.” The sharply pointed toes of some of our ancestors will be along immediately.

Perhaps crimson rosettes and silver buckles will follow; perhaps the black velvet embroidered boots of a few hundred years ago; perhaps scarlet heels such as the great, the immortal Fox, was dowdy enough to wear; who knows?

Meanwhile, for ladies, one of the best and wisest of the new styles, is the “Common Sense,” made by hand, with low heel and broad toe,–mostly in kid,–just the thing to tramp in, meant for those who like to feel that they can take long walks in a comfortable way, without thinking of their feet.

Another, and the favorite style for younger ladies, is the low vamp with opera toe and half French heel, which is a medium heel. These are in English kid, and are very “toney.” In slippers the low cut, opera toe, is the correct thing and gives the foot an elegant appearance; but the strap-sandal is preferred by many, as it shows less of the stocking.

The Gypsy cut is still a great favorite, especially with those who are troubled with tender joints–and who is not? The best fitting boot of the kind is from Baldwin & Lamkin, Milford, Conn., who make a specialty of find goods only.

The Dongola is much in favor and is taking the place of the glossy French kid. In these and Matt kids, the goods of J.B. Paulding & Co., need no recommendation.

Serge goods will be worn by many, as they are always easy. The most comfortable hand-made boots, are those of L.M. Sawyer, of North Weare, who is a veteran in this class of work. Some ladies will wear no other make.

All these, and everything that is new and desirable, may be found at Harris’s–sandal, slipper, high cut, low cut, the old favorite and the newest fancy, the moderate heel and the “too utterly utter.”

Nobody need go unshod.  In Brazil, to wear shoes signifies that one is a free man or woman; a slave in that country goes bare foot. In this country, thank heaven, everyone has a right to shoes; and can get good ones at Harris’s.

Harris’s shoe store was established in 1852, and is the oldest in Concord. It has always been a family shoe store in every sense of the word, and has already had the reputation of selling reliable goods. Its original motto was, “shoes that are shoes.”

Additional Notes:
A.G. Harris, Boot and Shoe Dealer was located at 41 North Main Street in Concord NH
E.W. Woodward & Sons, Merchant Tailors was located at 74 North Main Street, Corner of School Street in Concord NH

Article from: Concord [N.H.] and Its Attractions. Strangers’ Guide to the Leading Business Houses. [Chester A. Arthur pres]
provided by E.W. Willard & Co., [no date on document, but Chester Arthur is listed as President of the United States, so published between Sep 1881-March 1885]