Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1888-11-03
9ailg eagle
WOMAN AND HOME.
ECONOMIC HINTS CONCERNING THE
CARE OF SHOES.

Lack of Courtesy In the Family-How to
Keep Husband-Home Training of
Girls-Warding on Invalidism - Buga-
boos-Notes Items, Etc.
In nearly all homes. more particularly
where there are children, there is generally
an accumulation of shoes of all kinds, half
worn, whole worn and very little worn. In
the majority Of homes these are thrown pro-
miscuously together in closet or some other
receptacle, to be assorted when wanted
Some of these are Of no earthly use to the
possessors, but are boarded up with the idea
that they may some day be found useful, yet
rarely is this true, for if put away for any
length Of time they are, when taken out, gen
orally unfit for USE There are few things
that viii collect mold as quickly as old boots
Or shoes, more particularly If in close re-
ceptacle, such as dark closet Consequently
when they are laid away for any length Of
time they should be taken out into the light
and air occasionally to keep them in fair
condition Musty shoes in the home will not
tend toward the good health Of the family,
and the fewer of such things there are the bet
ter 1t is much the better way, where there
are more than one extra pair Of cast of shoes
to each peason, to see that the superhuous
ehoes are given to some one in need of them.
The housewife may think they are not worth
giving away, being worn so badly, yet the
shoes she would think unfit for this purpose
would be accepted with gratitude by many
poor unfortunate person 1t is wonderful
how very much worn shoe may be ere it is
rejected by needy person. Do not allow
Did boots and shoes to accumulate but give
them where they will do the most good, and
you will never regret it.
Shoes that are worn regularly, IL cared for,
will last much longer than if neglected, as is
too often the case A French kid shoe, if
carelessly cared for, will not look as well nor
last as long as one of an inferior quality that
is looked after properly. When shoes are
taken of they should be thoroughly brushed,
to remove the dust that invariably collects in
tho creases, smoothed out with the hand and
placed away In shoe bag OF box away from
the dust and when wanted for use they can
be taken out ready for wear. Where there
is not a box or bag for this purpose, q closet
is the next best thing. Shoes will last much
longer If, when new, they are rubbed with
castor oil Hold them in front of fire and
rub the oil well into the leather. Tho oil
makes the leather pliable, fills up the pores,
are worn every day, once fortnight is not
too often to oil them. At first the oil after
standing will give them @ gray look, but
when dressed it gives them a nice soft finish.
1t is not advisable to use much Of the dress
ings SO fashionable for ladies' and children's
shoes nowadays, as the most Of them in a
short while crack the leather. The box black
ing used for mems boots is much to be pre-
ic RI
When using the dressing, apply very thin
coat. and do SO as seldom as possible. We
have seen some very fine shoes ruined by
using poor dressing; therefore, unless you
can find one that has been well tested, it is
better for a fire grade of leather to depend
on the box of backing.
There are many patent button fasteners in
the market that are excellent for children's
everyday shoes, more particularly where
there are boys, as they are much stronger
than thread, and the children learn very
soon to adjust them, thereby saving the
mother some work, besides keeping their
shoes in good condition. For fine grade of
leather we have never seen any fasteners
that ought to be used, as IN short time they
cut the leather, making an unsightly tear,
and some Of them, when the shoe is tight
fitting, will tear the stocking. Tho fine shoe
string with needle attached, which may be
purchased ct any shoe store, is the best
thing with which to fasten Cd shoe buttons
Fasten them quito tight at first, as they work
loose, owing to the shoestring stretching
Never wear shoe unbuttoned if you care at
all to have it shapely. Never put q wet shoe
close to fire to dry, for when dry it will be
so hard that it viii be difficult to get or
When taken OFF the foot wet, smooth into rs
good shape as possible, then put in a medium
warm place and let dry. To be sure, it will
take longer time than If dried ut the fire,
but it viii 10 in much better condition
when wanted Shoes hardened by being
dried at tie fire can be wonderfully softened
by using little castor oil well rubbed il
When throwing away old shoes, cut OF all
the good buttons and put away for future
use-Boston Budget.