How to Make a Shoe   By: John Parker Headley

By JNO. P. HEADLEY, Jr.

WASHINGTON, D. C.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

GIBSON BROTHERS, PRINTERS. 1882.

Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1882, by Jno. P. Headley, Jr., in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C.

Shoemakers are known both far and wide, As men who always cut up side Horse sometimes, also cow leather, To meet the changes in the weather. Sheep and goats are often slain; Both unite to make it plain That sheep is used for lining nice, When goat alone would not suffice; Just so with calf as well as kid. Some use these linen lined, And think it quite the best, for those Who feel themselves refined. Refined or not, we think it true Our feet need some protection; To do whate'er they have to do, We make our own selection. Select at all times the best we can, Both of shoemakers as well as shoes, This is much the better plan, And learns us how to choose.

INTRODUCTION.

The Author of the book in hand, having passed through the various scenes through which he would accompany his readers, was prompted to make this offering to the craft and the public in order to relieve his mind of the thoughts had upon the subject of making shoes, as well as to contribute something of a literary character which, in the broad range of possibilities, may become useful as a text book, or family book, for those who may feel interested in making or wearing shoes, and perhaps lead to something better. Realizing the imperfections and shortcomings of the human family, to some extent at least, no claim beyond that which you are disposed to put upon it is held, so that any communication will be gladly received and noted. This opportunity is also taken to express thanks for some valuable suggestions from the U. S. Bureau of Education, and others, concerning the publication of this little volume, and in its present shape you are invited to read and make the best use of it you can.

Author.

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The subject, seated on a chair, One knee the other to rest, Has his measure taken fair, The foot at ease is best. The Artist views the foot, And straightway takes the length, By measuring it from heel to toe, His size brings content. From twelve to eighteen inches long This stick has many sizes ; Three to the inch is now our song, Subject to compromises. Some feet have long toes behind In the language of the craft ; These are not so hard to find, And oft to us been waft. Our Artist here will best succeed, If a little head he can measure, For out of that comes very much To make the feet a treasure.

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Next, around the heel a strap we bring, To the centre of the curve, A leather or linen strap is used, And don't affect the nerve.

The marks on this an inch represents, Also fractions of inch preserved; When made complete it then presents An appearance well deserved.

Around the heel, I've already said, But that is not quite so; For around in part and through instead Will make it more the go.

Now let us here make up our minds, If this trade we would study, That the craft is subject to many fines If the subject gets very muddy .

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With strap in hand the instep measure Be sure you get it right; For at this place some have a treasure, Which prompts them oft to fight.

A little lump we will it now call, Not knowing the exact name of it; Nor let our strap the least bit fall, But measure just above it.

When we've done this, and done quite well, Another move will follow, Which takes us nearly on the ball , And brings us from the hollow .

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