Scholl Archive
Level of description
Fonds
Reference code
A.2014.0037
Date
1908-1978
Extent and medium
2 boxes
Administrative / Biographical History
The Scholl company was founded in 1907, three years after William Mathias Scholl, the founder of the company, patented his first invention: the Foot-Eazer. Scholl worked with his brother, Frank, to expand the company overseas, and also offered free foot examinations and created an annual National Foot Comfort Week. During his lifetime Scholl brought over 1,000 foot products to market, including the Pescura sandals, developed with an anatomically crafted beechwood footbed, helping to tone the legs at every step. The sandals were popular with models like Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton, and become a renowned style as well as a comfort icon.
Scholl founded the Illinois College of Chiropody and Orthopaedics – which became the most important teaching institution in its field in the United States of America. He became a qualified physician and surgeon in 1922 (the certificate is included in the collection). When Scholl died in 1968, the company continued to prosper, and still continues to manufacture foot care products.
This collection consists of acquired material donated by the Thackray Heritage Foundation, including Scholl's certificate qualifying him as a physician and surgeon from the State of Illinois Department, share certificates, catalogues, company magazines. Also donated with the collection was the book 'Foot Doctor to the World' by W. H. Scholl, Scholl's nephew who became President of the Scholl Manufacturing Company prior to his uncle's death in 1968.
Scholl founded the Illinois College of Chiropody and Orthopaedics – which became the most important teaching institution in its field in the United States of America. He became a qualified physician and surgeon in 1922 (the certificate is included in the collection). When Scholl died in 1968, the company continued to prosper, and still continues to manufacture foot care products.
This collection consists of acquired material donated by the Thackray Heritage Foundation, including Scholl's certificate qualifying him as a physician and surgeon from the State of Illinois Department, share certificates, catalogues, company magazines. Also donated with the collection was the book 'Foot Doctor to the World' by W. H. Scholl, Scholl's nephew who became President of the Scholl Manufacturing Company prior to his uncle's death in 1968.
Scope and content
Certificate, Share certificates, packaging, advertising material, advertising campaign folders and leaflets, display material, catalogues, pamphlets, leaflets, books, magazines, photographs.
Conditions governing access
Open
Conditions governing reproduction
Not permitted
Language
English; German
Contents
- A.2014.0037.1 - Certificate issued by State of Illinois Department of Registration and Education to William M. Scholl
- A.2014.0037.2 - Share Certificates
- A.2014.0037.3 - Catalogues
- A.2014.0037.4 - Company Magazines
- A.2014.0037.5 - Photographs
- A.2014.0037.6 - Advertising Material
- A.2014.0037.7 - Packaging
- A.2014.0037.8 - Newspaper Cuttings