Staff Writer
The Columbus Dispatch
Ever wonder when rubber boots replaced shoes on rainy days?
Hessian soldiers wore leather boots, and Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington, decided boots made of rubber would be more useful and keep feet drier.
Charles Goodyear had vulcanized natural rubber in the 1850s to make tires, and he sold the use of the patent to Hiram Hutchinson in 1853 to use for boots. They became a fashion statement for a few years, but then farmers began to wear them, and then soldiers in both World Wars — the trenches often held rainwater and the boots kept feet dry.
Boots, of course, continue to be used by many and they have changed from a semi-pointed toe to a rounded toe, and even a metal toe to avoid accidents.
Boots were first made of leather and went to the knees in the 1840s, then to the calf in the 1850s, and to the ankle by the 1860s.
Today, the terms “wellies,” “gummies” or “gumboots” are used to describe rain boots. The original high Wellington boot is still popular for people in places or jobs where there are puddles and floods.
The picture shown here is part of an 1898 calendar advertising Hood Rubber Boots for children. They are high enough to be considered Wellington boots. The sign, in a gold-leaf frame, 14 by 24 inches, sold at a Kimbell Sterling auction in Johnson City, Tennessee, for a bargain at $81.40. The company called the boots “galoshes.”
Q: Years ago, when Norman Rockwell plates were popular, I collected them. I have gotten rid of all but my four favorites. They are called “Rockwell on Tour” and show sketches of Rockwell and two friends on a tour of Europe after college in 1927. The plates have sketches of their trip to England, Paris, Rome and Germany.
The names “Bill, Dean, Norm” are listed on the plates. Information on the back of the plates back say the pictures are sketches Rockwell made on postcards and sent to friends. Can you tell me more about the plates and their value?
A: Rockwell traveled to Europe with friends Bill Backer and Dean Parmalee. Rockwell’s sketchbook was stolen near the end of their trip and the four postcards sent to friends are the only surviving sketches.
In 1981, the Rockwell Society of America sent a notice to members asking for undiscovered Norman Rockwell memorabilia. A couple who had three of the postcards contacted the society. Newell Pottery Co. made limited-edition plates in 1982 with sketches made in England, Paris and Rome. The limit was the number fired in 150 days.
Two years later, Parmalee’s daughter provided the fourth postcard, a sketch done in Germany. The final plate was issued in 1984. The sketches are 1920s cartoons, not like Rockwell’s later “folksy” paintings. The plates sell online for $6 to $16 each.
CURRENT PRICES
Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.
• Minton portrait plate: woman, jewelry, veil, “behold all my treasures,” pink; 9 inches; $160
• Cookie jar: cockatiel, ruby art glass, silvered brass head, Murano, Italy; 12 by 7¼ inches; $540
• Silver shell bowl: hammered, ball feet, Alfredo Ortega & Sons, Mexico; 18½ by 18 inches; $1,090
Terry Kovel and Kim Kovel, authorities on collectibles, write for the King Features Syndicate. Visit www.kovels.com.
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