Up until the mid-twentieth century, Maine was a leader in the US snowshoe industry. Milford, ME was incorporated on 28th February 1833 from the Sunkhaze Plantation. Located in Penobscot County, this small town (and its surrounding areas) has been making snowshoes since at least the 1850s. (side note - Milford is situated directly across the Penobscot River from Old Town, ME, which was home to the world-famous eponymous canoe company)
Inspired by the products of the Penobscot Native Americans, one local snowshoe business was incorporated as the Penobscot Snowshoe Company (PSC). Led by J.A. Osgood, the PSC was but one snowshoe company in a state with many snowshoe companies.
This Alaskan-style pair features a turned-up toe and a narrower profile, in contrast with the wider footprint of the Huron/Maine style. Although this specific pair was manufactured around the 1940s, a similar pair was owned by Henry David Thoreau in the 1850s!
Complete label would read:
Guaranteed To Give Satisfaction Penobscot Special MF’D By J.A. Osgood, Milford, Maine, U.S.A.
A few items to note - there is a crack in the white ash frame on one of the shoes. While this is normal for snowshoes of this age, it would need to be addressed were they to be used again for recreation. The leather "H-style" bindings are operational and intact. Other than a light cleaning, there has been no other restoration done, so that the snowshoes retain their original patina - and wear.
This pair is from a family collection that is being liquidated and was very likely owned by a Skifabrikk staff member's father, and used in the 1950s-1970s.
This beautiful pair of snowshoes will look great on the wall, or for the adventurous, out on the trail. Nearly 100 years old, these snowshoes have stood the test of time. Filled with history, these would make a great gift for anyone interested in winter sports.
Manufacturer: Penobscot Snowshoe Co., Milford ME Manufacturing date: likely 1940s Style: Alaskan Model: Penobscot Special Height: 51” Width at center: 12” Binding style: H
