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Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.

Custodial History

This collection was previously identified as Mss. Acc. 2010.411.

Preferred Citation

Keith and Packard (North Bridgewater, Ma.) Ledger, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.

Biographical / Historical

North Bridgewater was a leading center of footwear manufacturing throughout much of the 19th century. A. and A. B. Keith introduced a new method of making shoes using new and improved machines and was the first in the country to adopt nearly all machinery, such as pegging, sewing, cutting, scouring, etc.

Scope and Contents

Ledger of Keith and Packard (North Bridgewater, Massachusetts), a factory that specialized in shoemaking products, and particularly boot counters. Transactions recorded concern products such as counters, skiffs, necks, leather, and shavings. Also included are services rendered, such as heeling,and soling. The geographic area covered is most of the Northeast and includes Boston, Weymouth, Worcester, North Brookfield, South Braintree, South Abington, Milford, New Bedford, Georgetown, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Auburn and Portland, Maine, Elmira, New York.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Keith & Packard
• Massachusetts--Economic conditions--19th century
• Shoemakers--Massachusetts--History--19th century
• Shoes--United States--History--19th century