Woman's Wedding Shoes and Shoe Holder

Original OwnerOriginally owned by Bertha Olmstead (American)

ShoemakerMade by Unknown

Date5 June 1862

MediumMachine-stitched silk, cotton, and leather

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 1 7/8 x 2 1/2 x 9 3/8in. (4.8 x 6.4 x 23.8cm)

ClassificationsCostume

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Nelson Lee Smith

Object number1974.24.2a-c

DescriptionCream-colored satin slippers with flat soles and square toes. The throatline is square. The vamp is decorated with white silk ribbon bow. There is no center back seam, but two side seams. The upper is lined with plain-woven white cotton; the sock lining is also plain-woven white cotton. The throatline is bound with narrow silk tape. One end of a long loop of very narrow tape is stitched to either side of the slipper.

NotesHistorical Note: Bertha Olmsted was the daughter of John and Mary Ann Bull Olmsted, and the half sister of Frederick Law Olmsted. She married Bishop William Woodruff Niles in Hartford, Connecticut, on 5 June 1862. He was an Episcopal Bishop in New Hampshire for over forty years. The couple's friends held a 25th anniversary party for them at their home, and Bertha Olmsted wore her wedding dress (1974.24.1a-c) again for the celebration.

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