Images(2)

Pair of Women's Snow Boots

PeriodCirca 1930-1950

Place MadeNaugatuck, Connecticut, U.S.A.

MediumVulcanized rubber, cotton velveteen, cotton plush, steel

Dimensions7.5 × 3 × 9 in. (19.1 × 7.6 × 22.9 cm)

ClassificationsCostume, Women's

Credit LineMuseum Collection

Object number2024.521

DescriptionA pair of women's winter boots, of black cotton velveteen uppers, with sturdy molded black vulcanized rubber one-piece heels, instep, and soles. Black coated steel zippers with wedge-shaped pulls inset along inner sides of both boots. Fur, possibly rabbit, edges along the tops of both boots. Attached lining of a brown and dark yellow plaid plush fabric. The underside of the instep stamped with "Goodyear's T & R Co. / GLOVE BRAND / Naugatuck CT. USA / U.S. Pat. Off." in oval, with "U.S. MADE" and "Size 7" stamped across underside of boot toes.
Curatorial RemarksCharles Goodyear was born in 1800 in Naugatuck, Connecticut. With his father, he opened the first retail hardware store in the United States. The business failed, and Charles turned his attention to rubber. Although rubber had numerous uses and applications from industrial to footwear, natural rubber turned sticky in the hot weather and became brittle in cold weather. Goodyear eventually invented the process of vulcanization, which chemically treated rubber to stabilize it. Although Goodyear received patents for his inventions, he spent much time and energy until his death in 1860 fighting patent infringements.NotesThis pair of stylish women's winter boots was made in the Goodyear factory in Naugatuck, Connecticut. Dating between 1930 and 1950, the boots feature the distinctive curved heel and instep silhouette of the company's products.

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