Shoes
In addition to fabrics, Mr. Alexander sold ready-made shoes at his store
for the citizens of Urbana and Champaign County. Shoes, along with bonnets,
hats, and some men's clothing were made in standard sizes for sale in stores
"off the rack". Women's dresses could not
be bought ready-made until the 1880s.
Ledger entry from an 1840s Jacksonville, IL store.
Mr. Alexander would have kept a similar record.