Shoe from James Whitcomb house donated to Boxborough Historical Society
Maybe meant to ward off evil spirits with the essence of its wearer, a child's shoe was stowed away in the walls of no-longer-standing home of Boxborough founder and Revolutionary War veteran James Whitcomb.
These "concealed shoes" date back to as early as the 14th century. They are usually made of leather and found mostly in England, though they've been found in North America, Australia, and several European countries.
The "Whitcomb shoe", about six inches long and Clarks Womens Shoes weighing about 3 ounces was discovered during renovation of the house in the 1960s. It was then purchased by a New Hampshire resident at an auction held by the Friends of the Whitcomb House meant to raise money to save the home by moving it. The shoe is now home, part of the collection at the Boxborough ...






