oooooo antimacassars! my great aunt had those on the back of her suite too.
I have to admit, (I'm only 35 (no need for comments on the 'only')) and I too like people to take their shoes off in the house - not so much on the wodden floors but in the sitting room where we have a cream carpet. (especially when you consider that the babies are playing on the floor, so I don't want anything that's been walked in to get on their hands)
Having said that - some people don't really like removing their shoes so I don't get stroppy and throw a rod, I just sit there glaring at their shoes until they leave again!! :p
I'd be tempted to place a few toy cars on the drive - just to see their reaction. :)