Shoe
PeriodCirca 1780
Place MadeNew York, New York, U.S.A.
MediumSilk, linen, leather, wood, metal
Dimensions9.5 in. (24.1 cm)
ClassificationsAccessories, Women's
Credit LineMuseum Collection
Object number1993.513
DescriptionA woman's shoe, of soft white lightweight silk and lined with linen, is constructed with a self-covered 2 1/2 inch heel and pointed toe and tongue. The upper is bound with silk ribbon and a drawstring cord allowing the wearer to adjust the fit of the shoe. The shoe is constructed without a last (neither right nor left) and retains its maker's label. Printed on paper in black ink, the label reads "Made by John A. Wolfe / No. 24, corner of Crown and Smith - Street, New-York." The shoe also bears a handwritten inked inscription on the inside reading "Miss Ustick."Curatorial RemarksJohn Albert Wolfe (1765 - 1815) was a shoemaker appearing in the New York City directories for at least twenty-five years. Born in New York City in 1765, Wolfe married Margaret Graham circa 1784. The couple had at least three children: son Christopher (1785 - 1857), daughter Margaret Maria (1795 - 1834), and son James (1800 - 1825). Beginning in 1789, Wolfe was listed as "shoemaker," at 24 Smith Street. In 1790, Wolfe had moved his business to Crown Street. In 1792, Wolfe listed himself as a "boot and shoemaker," conducting his business at this address for the next three years. In 1794, he moved his business to property he purchased at 17 Liberty street and the corner of William street. Beginning in 1800, Wolfe was no longer listed as a shoemaker, but as operating a jewellery and hardware store at 76 William Street. In 1801, Wolfe moved again, this time to 91 Maiden Lane, where he would remain until his death in 1814. Wolfe apparently went into partnership with his brother David, the two listed as "D. & J. A. Wolfe," running their successful jewellery and hardware store at the Maiden Lane address until John Wolfe's death in 1815. Wolfe's will, probated on 2 September 1815, describes two properties, one on the corner of Maiden Lane and the second on the Corner of Liberty and William Streets. His wife Margaret was given life rights and financial support for her lifetime, while sons Christopher and James were given the properties. Christopher was also given John's half of the partnership with brother David. John also left $5,000 to his daughter Margaret M. Wolfe. The printed paper label glued to the inside of the wedding slipper pinpoints the shoe's date to between 1790 and 1794.NotesThis elegant silk wedding slipper may have been worn by Susannah Pelletreau Ustick (1760 - 1833) at her wedding in June of 1792 to Richard Hartshorne (1752 - 1831). The Historical Association has a number of Ustick family textiles, including a mid eighteenth century embroidered petticoat border (2016.512) and crewel embroidered bedhangings (1988.677).
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