Information on Capitol of Canada-footwear brand?

VintagePickles

VintagePickles

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Hello all,

I am doing some research for a graduate school class and am looking for any information on a Canadian footwear brand called Capitol.

I have a pair of boots that I purchased at a vintage clothing show several years ago-the seller did not know much about them except that they are men's boots, likely sealskin, and possibly 1950's or 1960's. I have seen similar boots from Capitol for sale on Etsy and eBay but no further information about the maker. I will be writing a paper on these boots (as an example of Native American/Alaska Native influence in fashion) and would really appreciate it if anyone could tell me more about the company, or if they've seen other products by them for sale. I've included a few photos, including one of the label, below.

Many thanks!!




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I spent a few weeks tracking Canadian shoe manufacturers through shoe trade annuals but I only checked sporadic issues, otherwise I would still be there, twenty years later! I do have that this brand was made by the Indian Slipper Co., Ltd., in Loretteville, Quebec. They were not listed in the 1937 directory, but they were listed in the 1959 directory, so they were founded sometime between those two years. In 1959 they were listed as producing and exporting cemented (glued sole) footwear. I also found them in the 1963 directory where they are listed as making hand‑sewn moccasins, slippers, apres‑ski boots & outdoor shoes. Their two brands in 1963 were Capitol and Running Deer.
 
Thanks to Jonathan's research I was able to find a bit more about the Indian Slipper Mfg Co., including THIS LINK to a 1921 publication that mentions the Indian Slipper Mfg Co/Indian Lorette in Quebec. It seems, then, that they were around earlier than expected.

The 1948 Heaton's Commercial Handbook of Canada records and includes the Indian Slipper Mfg. Co., Ltd.

A ca. 1957 trade publication notes the death of "Harold Blondeau, President of Indian Slipper Mfg. Co., Ltd., Loretteville, P.Q..."

The 1958 Blue Book of the Shoe and Leather Industry includes: 'Indian Slipper Mfg. Co., Ltd...Men's, women's, misses', boys', children's, infants' Indian slippers, moccasins and after ski boots...Trademark: "Capitol Brand." Pres., buyer, Colonel Ernest Blondeau; vice pres., sales mgr., buyer, Harold Blondeau. Sell retailers.'

I found a reference to the company in a 1972 Whole Earth almanac.
 
They were probably at a different address in 1937, which is why I didn't find them in that directory. Good to have the dates filled in! A LOT of shoemaking businesses went out of business or started up business in the early 1920s.
 
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