September 20 – Happy Birthday to Patent Leather!

Although today Boyden’s linseed-oil treatment has been replaced by synthetic resins (in other words, a variety of plastic finishes), today patent leather is still popular. Note that there are shoes and accessories created from non-leather materials, such as plastic and faux leather, that are shiny and that look and feel somewhat like patent leather. Some vegetarians may prefer these synthetic materials, but some people feel that they are a cheap substitute for real patent leather.

Patent leather is not just black, and it’s not just shoes! Above, a gold patent leather vest for a dance costume. Below, red patent leather shoes for a dressy event.

Also on this date:

 Glass artist Dale Chihuly’s birthday

 Scientist and inventor James Dewar’s birthday

 Anniversary of the first Otis elevators

 Anniversary of a statue of Buddha losing its protective hall

 Punch Day

 Birthday of artist and muralist Judy Baca

 National String Cheese Day

 Youth Day in Thailand

 Universal Children’s Day in Germany

Oil Workers’ Day in Azerbaijan

Sukkot

Plan ahead:

Check out my Pinterest boards for:

• September holidays

• September birthdays

• Historical anniversaries in September

And here are my Pinterest boards for:

• October holidays

• October birthdays

• Historical anniversaries in October