Name/Title
1800s Hearse Mule ShoesEntry/Object ID
ARC_WT_HL_0001Description
The artifact consists of a set of heavily oxidized iron mule shoes, mounted on a custom wooden display base. A brass plaque identifies it as "Glenwood Cemetery – Mule Shoe of a Late 1800s Hearse."
These mule shoes are believed to have belonged to a draft mule used to pull funeral hearses in Glenwood during the late 19th century. They were discovered during construction work at the cemetery.
The curvature and dimensions of the shoes are consistent with typical examples from that era, designed for draft animals that towed heavy carriages and processional vehicles.Context
This artifact serves as a key reference for the study of 19th-century funerary equipment in Glenwood.Collection
Glenwood Cemetery Walking and Archive Tour HighlightsMade/Created
Manufacturer
unknownTime Period
19th CenturyInscription/Signature/Marks
Location
Wooden display base.Transcription
"Glenwood Cemetery – Mule Shoe of a Late 1800s Hearse."Language
EnglishMaterial/Technique
EtchedLexicon
Getty AAT
Concept
horseshoes (animal equipment), muleshoes, cemeteriesLOC Thesaurus for Graphic Materials
HorseshoesSearch Terms
Horseshoes, Muleshoes, Glenwood Cemetery, Hearse, Equipment, 1800sDimensions
Dimension Description
Iron Mule Shoes and Wood BaseHeight
8-3/4 inWidth
10-1/4 inDepth
3-5/8 inMaterials
Material
Metal, WoodMaterial Notes
This artifact consists of a set of heavily oxidized iron mule shoes, mounted on a custom wooden display base. A brass identification plaque states: "Glenwood Cemetery – Mule Shoe of a Late 1800s Hearse."Color
Brown, Black, OrangeLocation
Location
* Untyped Location
Archive RoomCategory
PermanentCondition
Reason for Exam
ExhibitionOverall Condition
PoorCondition Type
Oxidation, Rust, Discoloration, FlakingDate Examined
Oct 3, 2025Surface
The item exhibits significant oxidation and rusting attributable to the environmental conditions in which it was discovered. The item is also flaking and is in a fragile condition.Reproductions
Notes
The use of or access to certain materials may be restricted for legal reasons or due to donor stipulations. Written permission to publish or display reproductions of Glenwood Cemetery, Inc. archive materials must be secured from the Foundation prior to use of the material. The following credit must be printed under each reproduction: “Reprinted with the permission of Glenwood Cemetery, Inc. & Glenwood Cemetery Historic Preservation Foundation”. Clearance of any copyrighted material is the responsibility of the person wishing to publish or display said material.Create Date
October 7, 2025Update Date
August 21, 2026
