Tools of the Trade

Leatherworking Tools

Logan and the surrounding settlements were known for their agricultural economies. Cache Valley was an ideal location for pioneers to establish dairies, cattle ranches, and farms. Local shoemakers got their prepared leather from the tannery owned by Joel Ricks (1804-1888) and Thomas Weir (1809-1875), which was built in 1860.

Leather Shoe Sole
Date unknown
Leather
This piece of sole leather belonged to Charles Hills Baker (1845-1929). Shoes were typically made with leather or wooden soles.
101001.23
Gift of V. Kaye Nelson

Leather Shoe and Boot Heel Edge Shave
1875-1910
Metal
Made by I.P. Hyde Company. This tool was used to shave or trim the edges of leather heels and soles.
101001.25
Gift of V. Kaye Nelson

5/8” Round End Punch
Date unknown
Metal
Shoemakers used this tool to punch out shapes in pieces of leather, particularly for the ends of small straps.
101150.1.1
Gift of V. Kaye Nelson

Leatherworking Awl
19th Century
Metal, wood
This awl belonged to Charles Hills Baker and was used for stitching shoes. The awl would punch holes in the leather to pull stitches through, or simply to make holes for designs.
101001.21
Gift of V. Kaye Nelson

Cobbler's Tools

Shoemaking and repair is a delicate craft, so a cobbler needs the right tools. Hammers not only secure leather with tiny nails called tacks, but they also shape the leather and flatten seams and stitches.

Claw Hammer
19th Century
Wood, metal
This hammer belonged to Charles Hills Baker (1845-1929). The hammer was used to pound shoe nails or tacks into shoe soles or heels.
101001.17
Gift of V. Kaye Nelson

Square-Face Cobbler’s Hammer
19th Century
Metal, wood
This hammer belonged to Charles Hills Baker (1845-1929). The textured square face of the hammer was used to drive tacks while the hatchet side was likely used for trimming and repair.
101001.22
Gift of V. Kaye Nelson

Cobbler’s Hammer
19th Century
Metal, wood
This cobbler’s hammer belonged to Charles Hills Baker (1845-1929). It was used for driving tacks and heel nails.
101001.23
Gift of V. Kaye Nelson

Shoe Tack Boxes
Date unknown
Paper
Made by Atlas Tack Corporation. These tack boxes belonged to Charles Hills Baker (1845-1929). Tacks are used to attach and secure shoe heels and soles.
101001.16.1, 101001.16.3
Gift of V. Kaye Nelson and Nedra Mazrun

Wooden Cobbler Box and Shoe Cloth
Date unknown
Wood, cloth
This box belonged to Charles Hills Baker (1845-1929) and was used to hold his cobbling tools and materials. “Economical Cobble” and “For Boot and Shoes Repairs” are written on the side.
101001.19
Gift of V. Kaye Nelson

Do you have anything at home that is made of leather?
Have you ever used a hammer? How might a cobbler's hammer be different?

Tools of the Trade

Leatherworking Tools

Cobbler's Tools

Do you have anything at home that is made of leather?

Have you ever used a hammer? How might a cobbler's hammer be different?