Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
Associated with Abigail Longfellow Stephenson (1779-1869) these black satin slippers are lined in linen, with a leather sole. Abigail, who married Samuel Stephenson in 1801, was the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s paternal aunt, sister to his father Stephen.
The pointed toe, low vamp (the fabric which covers the top of the foot) slippers have a slight heel. The style dates the shoes to about 1800.
The slippers are straight lasted. Cobblers made straight lasted shoes without an intended left or right foot. Over time, the shoes (in theory) conformed to the wearer’s foot. The concept of a dedicated left or right shoe increased in popularity by the mid-19th century.
About This Item
- Title: Abigail Longfellow Stephenson's black satin slippers, Gorham, ca. 1800
- Creation Date: circa 1800
- Subject Date: circa 1800
- Location: Gorham, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: silk, linen, leather
- Local Code: A85-808
- Collection: Costume collection
- Object Type: Physical Object
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For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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