Banner
Object number2018.8.19
Date1919
MediumFabric; Felt
Credit LineGift of Edward Feinstein
DescriptionFelt military banner. Front is comprised of half red and half blue fabric background that is split across center on the diagonal. Back of banner is light red-orange fabric. Fabric layers are sewn together with thick felt fabric strips around the perimeter that are tied at each corner. Fabric layers are cut to create wide fringe strips along the perimeter. Front of banner's red half has United States coat of arms surrounded by country abbreviation in applied off-white felt letters. Front of banner's blue half has applied off-white letters with military camp, division, and year.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 32.125 x 0.875 in. (81.6 x 2.2 cm)InscriptionsFront has applied off-white text "U / S / A / CAMP MERRITT / A.E.F. / 1919".
Eagle emblem has text on the banner in its beak "E PLURIBUS UNUM".
Historical NotesMilitary banner belonging to Isadore Kalson. Isadore Kalson (1896-1980) worked in his youth for Rauh Bros. & Co. He served in World War I with the 52nd Infantry, Sixth Division. He was a charter member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Corp. H. O. Diller Post No. 156, Mt. Washington and was elected VFW Allegheny County Commander in 1934, becoming the first Jewish person to hold the post. He later worked in city government and ran successfully in a close race against Richard Mellon Scaife for Republican Party Chair. He lived in Oakland and Squirrel Hill in his later years. Isadore's father, Harry Kalson, immigrated to Pittsburgh in 1891. He was later joined by brothers Nathan Kalson, David Kalson, Samuel Kalson, Mrs. L. Moll, Mrs. Ida Becker and Mrs. Anna Brinn. He worked as a plumbing and building contractor and later ran the Profit Sharing Laundry Co. with his sons. He was the proprietor of Kalson’s Natatorium, a popular bath house in the Hill District. Kalson was active in Republican politics and served a term on the Common Council in 1905. He was president of Tifrerth Israel Congregation for nine years under the tenure of Rabbi Eliyahu Kochin. He was a founder of the United Hebrew Orthodox Congregations of Western Pennsylvania and its president in 1923 and 1924. He was also a founder of the Hebrew Religious Academy at 81-83 Tannehill Street. He was active in many Jewish philanthropies, including the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies, Keren Hayesod and Montefiore Hospital, as well as many fraternal lodges. Harry Kalson and his wife Hinda Libbe Horwitz Kalson had at least eight children: Dr. Abraham Maurice Kalson, Samuel H. Kalson, Isadore Kalson, Robert Kalson, Ralph Kalson, William Kalson, Jacob E. Kalson and Ruth Kalson. Jacob E. Kalson was the assistant district attorney
Previous owner
Isadore Kalson
(1896 - 1980)
Related institution
American Expeditionary Forces
Related institution
Rauh Brothers and Company
Related institution
52nd Infantry Regiment
On View
Not on view
1930-1957
1926
1926
1911
1968
