Button, Insignia
Object number2013.48.2
Date1983
MediumPlastic, metal, paper, ink
Credit LineGift of Chris Popovich
DescriptionCircular white button with image of a panda ice skating at the top. Yellow circle around the edge. In black under the panda is event information and date. Metal pin across the back.Dimensions0.5 x 2.25 in. (1.3 x 5.7 cm)InscriptionsIn black under the panda reads: "THE / GREAT SKATE / PITTSBURGH '83 NATIONALS".
Historical NotesButton owned by Olga Hurenko Preffer. The daughter of John Viktor and Marina Kolbus Hurenko, Olga Hurenko Preffer was born on July 17, 1935, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At the age of 12, Preffer received her first pair of ice skates. As a young girl, Preffer often skated outdoors at Panther Hollow Lake in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh. While attending Schenley High School, Preffer accompanied a friend to an open audition for the Ice Capades. While too young to become a member, Preffer (then 14 years-old) was invited to enroll in skating classes with the Ice Capades at Duquesne Gardens. Held Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons, Preffer attended these classes until she completed high school. Upon reception of her degree, Preffer received a personal telegram from founder John Harris to become an Ice Capade. Preffer was signed at the age of 16 and toured with the show from 1955 to 1957. One of Preffer's signature roles was as a Chipmunk in the Ice Capades production of "Snow White." During her tenure with the Ice Capades, Preffer also participated in productions of Little Foxes, Wish You Were Here, Dragnet, An American in Paris, and Les Patineurs. As a member of the Ice Capades, Preffer took part in two months of rehearsal at Convention Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, beginning in July of 1955. The Ice Capades began their annual tour in September of each year, performing in 27 cities across the United States. In 1957, Preffer left the Ice Capades and married John (Jack) A. Preffer. The two settled in the Pittsburgh area and together had three children, John Douglas, Christine, and Robert. While no longer skating with the Ice Capades, Preffer taught ice skating lessons at rinks in the South Park and Mount Lebanon neighborhoods.
Previous owner
Olga Hurenko Preffer
(born 1935)
Related person
John Viktor Hurenko
Related person
Marina Kolbus Hurenko
Related person
John H. Harris
Related person
John A. Preffer
Related institution
Schenley High School
Related institution
Ice Capades Inc.
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