At Gold-N-Rule, we make products that inspire us. Nothing feels better than sporting a crispy clean pair of kicks or sharply shined shoes. With that in mind, we decided to remake a 1920’s era Carnival Shoe Shine Box. America is built on the shoe shine dream; even the corner shine boy can make it huge with a little bit of spit, polish and elbow grease. We did a little research and welcome you to share with us a short history of shoeshine boys in America.
Photo credit: Gold-N-RuleAt the start of the industrial revolution, there was a large influx of workers into American factories. The need for work boots and shoes increased; more feet meant more shoes and the demand for a good boot shine increased dramatically. The 1800’s saw an increase in street corner shoe shiners, especially in cities like New York and Chicago, as well as the production of shoe shining products. By the 1900’s, shoe shining was at its height of popularity and during both world wars the increase in soldiers boots, meant a large demand for a well shined boot. The demand was so great that in New York during the 1910-20’s the numbers of shoe shine stands exploded and filled most street corners.
Gold-N-Rule Carnival Shoe Shine Box
Photo credit: Gold-N-RuleBox dimensions 12″L 6″W 6″H. Shoe Shine Kit (optional):
- 1x black 4oz Angelus polish,
- 1x brown 4oz Angelus polish,
- 1x Flannel Buffer,
- 1x 100% Horse Hair Shine Brush,
- 1x 100% Horse Hair Circular Dauber Brush.
Eventually, commissioner Robert Moses targeted shoe shine boys in a effort to “reduce clutter” on sidewalks and parks. However with the introduction of sneakers in the 60’s, the demand for a good shine dropped. Recently, the modern man has reacquired the satisfaction of having a quality pair of shoes with a quality shine job and shoeshine stands and parlors are seeing a resurgence in popularity.
About
Gold-N-Rule brings you classic style with a modern twist. We offer a line of quality home accents that are timeless and manufactured with the utmost care. All our products are proudly made in America.
To shop the full collection of “Gold,” please visit http://gold-n-rule.myshopify.com/.