Walking Through the Progressive Era in the Jenness Miller Boots

Abstract

The Progressive Era of 1880-1920 saw the development of a variety of reform programs and progressive ideas. This thesis explores Annie Jenness Miller (1895-1939) and the Jenness Miller Boots she created. My research examines shoe reform, sheds light on Annie Jenness Miller as a reformer, and the shoes she constructed. Jenness Miller was a dress reformer who believed that fashion should be ‘hygienic’ and comfortable for women. She developed the Jenness Miller Boots which allowed women to walk around town comfortably. She has since been forgotten to history. She became a businesswoman at a time when women were entering the workforce. Jenness Miller gave thousands of speeches across North America. She created her own dress reform magazine and several clothing items. Her work in the dress reform industry not only created a line of ‘hygienic’ boots but also showed women that they had a place in the business world.