Commemorative
Object number2014.32.1 a,b
Date1991
MediumBronze; paper; ink
Credit LineGift of Pauline Shermar.
DescriptionCommemorative bronze tray with product booklet.Dimensionsa) Height 6, Width 8.875, Depth 0.188;b) When Closed: Height 3.188, Width 3.063, Depth 0.063.
When Open: Height 3.125, Width 6.063, Depth 0.031.
Inscriptionsa) Raised decoration at front center with text "West Penn Power / 1916 / 1991 / 75 years at your service" encircling a stylized letter "A". On the right side of the "A" is a circle with text "WEST PENN SYSTEM" that encircles a triangle with text "LIGHT POWER RAILWAY". Back has inscribed text at center "BRONZE / HAND MADE / BY-NATALE / LEESBURG, PA".
b) Text on front "By-Natale, & / The School House Shops / [image of forgers] / CREATORS OF / ARTISTIC HANDWROUGHT / EXCLUSIVE METAL GIFTS". Interior of booklet has manufacturer, product, and care information. Back of booklet has manufacturer contact information and a map.
Historical NotesCollection consists of West Penn Power Company commemorative dish as well as the business card, hard hat, and Zippo lighter that belonged to the donor, Pauline Shermar, who worked at West Penn Power from 1941 to 1985. She worked as an administrator and was primarily responsible for workmen's comp benefits. In 1963, the donor was featured in a national advertisement that ran in Time, Newsweek, and Look magazines for the electric industry. The ad was sponsored by investor owned electric light and power companies and was against having the government control the industry. West Penn Power began in 1907 as a merger of 53 Pennsylvania light and power plants, it is located in Greensburg, PA, and is now a subsidiary of FirstEnergy.
Previous owner
Pauline Shermar
Related institution
West Penn Power Company
Subjects
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