Hat

Object number2000.62.1

Date1960s

MediumVarious fabrics; Thread; Fiber; Unknown composite

Credit LineGift of Andrea L. Jones.

DescriptionLadies red pilbox hat with flowers on top and short red veil in the front.Dimensions3 x 6 x 8 in. (7.6 x 15.2 x 20.3 cm)
Historical NotesMade by E. Josephine Martin, a designer and finisher for Pryor Furs in the Hill District. Ms. Martin had taken a class in hat-making with a group of women that worked at Joseph Horne's Department Store. Pryor Furs, in operation for over 50 years, was an African-American owned furrier located in Pittsburgh’s Hill District neighborhood. Pryor Furs was established in 1947 by William Andrew Pryor, Sr. (1913-2000). Pryor was born in Midland, Washington County, where his father was a coal cutter. Pryor was looking for work besides coal mining and got into the fur business because his brother worked as an elevator operator for a furrier who was looking for someone to teach the trade to. At 16 he started running errands for the business and at 17 had made his first coat. He worked for a number of furriers in the Pittsburgh area and ultimately started his own business in 1947 operating at first from the basement of his home in Washington, PA. He soon moved to a location on Wylie Avenue in the Hill District where he attracted a loyal following among the neighborhood community. In 1954, with the demolition of the Lower Hill, Pryor purchased a building at 2435 Centre Avenue in which to house the store. Eventually, William Pryor, Jr. joined his father in the business and assumed its operation following Pryor’s death in 2000. Pryor Furs was one of the first African American-owned businesses in Pittsburgh and the only black owned and operated furrier on the East coast. This created racial discrimination and tension for the family-owned business. Pryor Furs had a reputation for its craft and, in addition to custom-made and designed furs, was particularly known for restyling overworn garments. Pryor Furs worked with department stores in Pittsburgh and independent furriers in the region and attracted customers from across the United States. The business stayed strong despite animal rights activists protesting fur businesses. The store did, however, close around 2013 but had been in operation for more than 50 years.Label TextThis hat was designed by E. Josephine Martin, a designer and finisher for Pryor Furs from 1947 until 1987. Ms. Martin developed her craft after taking a class in hat making at Joseph Horne’s Department Store. Pryor Furs, founded in 1947 by William Pryor, was located at Washington and Wylie Avenues in the Hill District until 1954. Pryor’s produced made to order furs and cleaned and stored furs.

Previous owner Pryor Furs (founded 1947)

Related institution Joseph Horne Company (1849 - 1994)

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