Pa. German Shoemaker's Peg Box c. 1940

Elmer R. Kottcamp created this watercolor of a Pa. German Shoemaker's Peg Box, preserving its image for posterity. This wasn't just any container, but a crucial piece of equipment in the traditional shoemaking trade. These boxes held the small wooden pegs used to attach the soles of shoes to the uppers. Shoemakers, often working in small workshops or even from home, relied on these pegs for durable, long-lasting footwear. The box’s form, shaped like a shoe, speaks to the close relationship between the maker and their tools. The painted star on the side hints at the cultural background of its user. This wasn’t simply a functional object, but an item imbued with meaning and identity. The labor of the shoemaker is written into the box itself, representing countless hours spent crafting shoes for their community. By paying attention to the material culture of craft, we gain a deeper appreciation for the lives and work of those who came before us.