Man's Mittens

Currently not on view

Man's Mittens

c. 1912

Made by Dubuque Tanning and Robe Co., Dubuque, Iowa (1907-?)

Fur garments, always a boon in cold weather, were available to midwestern farmers or stockmen in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries at relatively little expense. The hide of a cow or horse could be sent to any one of many specialist tanneries to be turned into warm coats, mittens, and robes. Harry Snyder, a teamster and part-time farmer from Washburn, Illinois, wore these mittens made from the hides of his favorite driving horses when driving a horse-drawn hearse at winter funerals.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Man's Mittens

Date:

c. 1912

Artist:

Made by Dubuque Tanning and Robe Co., Dubuque, Iowa (1907-?)

Medium:

Horsehide (with hair), leather

Dimensions:

Length: 11 inches (27.9 cm) Width: 5 3/4 inches (14.6 cm)

Classification:

Costume (including accessories)

Credit Line:

Gift of Larry L. Snyder and Lynn L. Snyder, 1990

Accession Number:

1990-99-2a,b

Geography:

Made in Iowa, United States, North and Central America

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Currently not on view