Hat
Object number2014.6.2 a-c
Artist
Tille
Retailer
De Luca
Date1945-1955
MediumFeather; felt; velvet; paper; metal
Credit LineGift of Lynn Honeywill-Norris
DescriptionOval feathered hat with hat box.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 6.5 × 8.5 × 9.5 × 29 in. (16.5 × 21.6 × 24.1 × 73.7 cm)Marks(a) "Tille / Original".
(c) "DeLuca / PITTSBURGH".
Historical NotesFeathered hat worn by Marilyn McCabe Honeywill for her musical performances. From a collection that documents the singing career of the donor Lynn Honeywill-Norris' mother, Marilyn McCabe Honeywill. Marilyn was born in 1930, in the Shadyside area of Pittsburgh. Her singing skills were evident at a young age and her parents sent her for training at the Pittsburgh Musical Institute. The collection documents her early performances at Ursuline Catholic Convent School (now the Waldorf on Winebiddle in Friendship) where she performed in joint plays with Central Catholic as well as her one year at the Pennsylvania College for Women (now Chatham) where she also performed before dropping out to focus on her musical training. In the 1940s, she was named the Chevrolet Sweetheart and often performed the Chevrolet ditty, "See the USA, in your Chevrolet." Before and after her 1949 marriage to Ransom Honeywill, Marilyn performed on both KDKA radio and television. Two of the prop hats from her time on KDKA were donated with the collection as well as a dress she often wore to perform during this period. She raised six children on a farm in Mars, PA, while also frequently driving into the city to perform. After taking some time off, she returned to performing in the 1970s with the Civic Light Opera. In 1988, she started the Pittsburgh Parent magazine with her daughter Lynn, the donor. She passed away on December 16, 2013.
Previous owner
Marilyn McCabe Honeywill
Related institution
Pittsburgh Musical Institute
On View
On viewCollections
Ruth's Hat Shop
1941-1962
c. 1890
