Name/Title
SpatsEntry/Object ID
2022.2.32.52Description
These spatterdashes or spatter guards AKA spats were frequently used until the early 20th century. Spats are worn over one's shoes covering the instep and ankle serving as protection against the mud and rain. By the early 1900s the streets had vastly improved making walking a less dirty task than it once was.
Spats were also worn as part of the fashion etiquette of that time. It is said that when King George V gave up his spats and became increasingly informal; the public soon followed. According to Becky Oeltjenbruns, "In 1926 the King [of England, George V] shocked the fashion elite by abandoning both his frock coat and his spats during the fashion event of the season – the Chelsea Flower Show. Several attendees reportedly discarded their spats right then and there, leaving a street fairly littered with these once noble pieces of fabric” ( “Vintage Shoe Trends for Men” ).Location
Ohio State Park
Lake Loramie State Park
