H84.281.1

Pr. of slippers in box.  Description: Pr. of ladies' blue felt slippers with blue ribbon trim at throat and blue and yellow looped ribbon pompon on the toes, leather soles;
a: right slipper;
b: left slipper;
c: lid of box, cardboard covered with white paper;
d: bottom of box, cardboard covered with white paper, "Vanco Slippers, The Van Voorhies-Phinney Co., Sacramento, California, 128 Ladies Opal.  Moccasin 3" printed on the end of the box.
  Dimensions: a-b: 9 1/2" x 3" x 3";
              c: 5 5/8" x 11 3/4" x 1";
              d: 5 1/2" x 11 1/2" x 3 1/4"
              size: 3
  Condition: a-b: mint; c-d: sooty outside
  History: New old stock.  Box is marked with a "Ceiling Price" which refers to the top price allowed by the OPA (Office of Price Administration) during World War II.  The price marked is $1.25.  Similar slipper illustration on page 34 of the 1931-1932 Fall-Winter Montgomery Ward Catlogue.  See also illustration on page 34 of the 1931-1932 Fall-Winter Montgomery Ward Catalogue.  See also illustration pg. 112 of the Spring and Summer 1937 Montgomery Ward Catalogue, slipper selling for $.49.
  References/Remarks: To be rotated in as possible "Christmas gift" in the World War II Housing Unit display in the Cowell Hall of California History, 20th century gallery.

From the History Information Station:
Object:  Blue felt slippers, from the Voorheis-Phinney Co. in Sacramento. These were called "Ladies' Opal Mocassins" and sold for $1.25 in 1942.

History:  Shoes were rationed during the war. These slippers were worn at home, to save wear and tear on shoes.