Images(4)

Shirt

Object number2015.80.3

Manufacturer R.J. Toomey Company (founded 1936)

Date1952-2014

OriginUnited States of America

MediumPolyester/Fabric/Elastic/Metal/Plastic

Credit LineGift of Estate of Donald W. McIlvane

DescriptionBlack clerical shirtfront. Triangle of black fabric with round collar at top. One strand of black elastic on each side of the shirtfront to wrap around shoulders.Dimensions20.375 x 5.5 x 21.5 in. (51.8 x 14 x 54.6 cm)
MarksBack of shirtfront in bottom proper right quadrant has a black fabric label with gold-brown embroidered text "Cleric-Collar SHIRTFRONT / BY R.J. TOOMEY CO. / 100% POLYESTER AND OTHER FIBERS / MADE IN U.S.A. / DO NOT CRY CLEAN OR WASH / SPONGE WITH LUKEWARM WATER".
Historical NotesClerial shirtfront belongig to Father Donald W. McIlvane. Father McIlvane (1925-2014) was a local Catholic priest who dedicated his life to civil rights and social justice issues in both Pittsburgh and internationally. Born in New York City, he moved to Pittsburgh with his family and attended high school in Mt. Lebanon. He served in WWII and later attended St. Vincent Seminary and was ordained in 1952 at St. Paul Cathedral. He served parishes in the Hill District, East Liberty, and Midland as well as serving as Chaplain to the Sisters of Divine Providence. Martin Luther King, Jr., had a great influence on him and he traveled to Selma, Alabama, in 1965 to support King's march there. During his life he had been an active voice against apartheid and was honored to be one of the official monitors in 1994 for the first post-apartheid election that made Nelson Mandela President.

Previous owner Father Donald W. McIlvane (1925 - 2014)

Related institution Saint Vincent Seminary

Related institution Sisters of Divine Providence

Related person Martin Luther King Jr. (1929 - 1968)

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