Trunk
Object number2013.31.23 a-d
MediumWood, paint
Credit LineGift of Joseph Pegnato
DescriptionBlack trunk with wooden dolly and fastening strap. Trunk lid has metal-reinforced corners and a handle on the top. Trunk base has two leather straps.
Dimensionsa) 31.75" L, 21" W, 9325" Hb) 31.75" L, 20.312" W, 9.812" H
c) 30.125" L, 9.25" W, 2.75" H
d) 71.25" L, 1.125" W, 0.312" H
Inscriptions(a)
Taped to the left of the handle is a label that reads: "THEATRICAL BAGGAGE / BOBBY JULE/JUGGLER".
Plastic label in bottom right corner on top reads: "JULE".
Inside center of lid is an underlined "T".
Inside front of lid reads: "Front".
Label inside near front reads: "JULE PITTSBURGH PA 412-241-9089".
Historical NotesPart of a collection related to Joseph Pegnato's prolific career as juggling superstar Bobby Jule. Pegnato was a juggling prodigy and begun touring his act as a teenager. During his career, he performed in the United States, the West Indies, Europe, and Asia and appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. During the 1940s, Pegnato appeared on the same stage as bandleaders Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Les Brown, and Charlie Spivak. His act was set to an original ten piece arrangement by Pittsburghers Joe Schaeffer, Frank Jarema, Kloman Schmidt, and Raymond LaFevre. The Indian clubs in his kit were handcrafted out of wood by Harry Lind, who was the sole manufacturer of the prop at the time. Today, Indian clubs are mass produced and made of plastic, making wooden clubs a rarity. The rubber balls Pegnato used are similar to those used to play Lacrosse. Contemporary jugglers use silicone balls. Pegnato's juggling kit is unique to his stage performance because he engineered the internal mechanics of stand, which was designed to propel balls into the air.
Previous owner
Joseph Pegnato
On View
Not on view
c. 1917
1880-1890
