Walking in Their Shoes: A Late Victorian Shoe Assemblage from the New Mississippi River Bridge Project in East St. Louis

Martha Mihich, Claire P. Dappert

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

A significant number of shoes and shoe parts were recovered during the Illinois State Archaeological Survey's (ISAS) excavations in East St. Louis for the II linois Depart-ment ofTransportation as part of the New Mississippi River Bridge Project. A total of 261 shoes dating to the late nineteenth and early twentieth century were excavated from over forty features, most of which were privies. While there has been some archaeological research of shoes, the MRB project differs from these other studies in the breadth and range of shoe styles and construction. Shoes and shoe parts can be indicative about the wearer's identity, gender, and occupation. These areas are illuminated by examining construction methods (soles), style (vamp) and shoe size. Most of the MRB shoe assemblage consists of laborer work boots, but some men's and ladies' dress shoes, as well as children's shoes, are present. Many of the shoes exhibit evidence for repairs and/or are extensively worn. This paper explores some of these different types of styles and constructions present in the MRB shoe assem-blage, as well as discuss a few unique examples within a household context.
Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMAC 2014 Abstracts
StatePublished - 2014

Keywords

  • ISAS

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