1933 - Original Buildings No Longer in Greenfield Village

Currier Shoe Shop (formerly known as Newton Shoe Shop):

Originally from Newton, New Hampshire, this shoe shop, run by William Currier, dates back to the 1880's and represents one of the earlier smaller shoe factories where machinery was used. Mr. Currier, who worked at this building for more than 60 years, would hire neighbors to help run the steam-run machines that drove the stitching machine and buffer as well as do the hand work.
During the 19th century there were around two thousand small shoe shop factories in America similar to this one. Because of their size, these shops were called "ten-footers" and were often located beside the shoemaker's home.

The cobbler would work all the day and into the evening hours, using the smoky kerosene lantern for light.
When this building was located in side of Greenfield Village, originally situated right next to the Cooper Shop (how wonderful that must have been!), it would show many of the objects used by Mr. Currier (and other shoemakers) such as the rack upon which the new shoes were dried, cutting patterns, a leather-splitting machine, and even the waxed thread used. Some of these tools are still shown, although the structure is now, for some reason, located inside of the Henry Ford Museum rather than in the Village. It was moved there, from what I understand, in the mid 1990's.

The photographs taken of the Currier Shoe Shop are all from inside the Henry Ford Museum.


Deluge Fire House:

The mid-19th century Deluge Firehouse was originally from Newton, New Hampshire as well.

I have recently read that the Hearse Shed, now in the Village, was transformed into the Deluge Firehouse when Mr. Ford re-erected it inside the Village. This comes from numerous master presenters. More research will need to be done.



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