What Is A Cordwainer
A cordwainer is a shoemaker
The term cordwainer was preferred by the profession. It is based on the French word cordonnier
which came from the Spanish town of Cordoba. In the 12th century some of the finest leather in
the world was made in Cordoba. This leather was called cordovan in French which was anglicized
as cordwain. It was very much in demand for custom made shoes. Since a shoemaker made shoes only
with new leather and leather from Cordoba, cordwain leather, was what they used, they adopted
the name cordwainer to designate their profession.
(1) An important professional distinction
is that cobblers are not shoemakers, they only repair shoes.
Most of the early Hussey line were Cordwainers. Several of the Hussey's involved with the Enterprise Carriage Company were coach trimmers and harness makers, which is a natural extension of the cordwainer trade. Coach trimmers made the seat upholstery and tops for the carriage and buggies. Especially the seats were often very intricate and ornamental.
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