Uniform, Occupational
Object number2012.74.1 a,b
Manufacturer
Mister Trio
Date1974-1986
Mediumpolyester; paper; metal; elastic
Credit LineGift of Ina Mae Smithley
DescriptionNurse's uniform consisting of top and pants of white polyester. Shirt has short sleeves and metal zipper down front to stomach with five decorative plastic buttons on each side of zipper. Collar with pointed lapel. Sleeves have cuffs. Two side pockets. Pants are bell-bottoms with elastic waist.DimensionsMeasured laying flat.(a) Height: 28.5 ; Width: 14.5 at shoulders ; Length: 8.25 of sleeve
(b) H: 39.5 ; W: 12.5 at waist; W: 10 of pant bottom
Marks(a)
Paper tag inside collar has red and black print "MISTER TRIO / Machine Wash warm..."
Historical NotesNursing uniform worn by donor Ina Mae Smithley, who was a personal nurse for Paul and Willeen Benedum. Ina Mae Smithley was a nurse for Paul and Willeen Benedum in their later years. She started in the fall of 1974 as a nurse for Paul, he passed away a few years later and she stayed on as a nurse for Willeen until her death in 1986. The Benedums owned a home, Butterfly Farm, in Ligonier and the donor believes they contacted her to be their nurse after hearing about her from other Rolling Rock members. The Benedums spent the summer in Ligonier and wintered in Florida. Ina was their summer nurse and accompanied them on the trip south on their yacht Willeen IV. She subsequently went on many trips south with them either on the yacht, via motor-home and later by plane. The dresses were all worn by Willeen, but given as a gift to Ina because Willeen could no longer wear them by the 1970s. The uniform was worn by Ina when performing her nursing duties in their home, but she did not wear the uniform out in public as the Benedums did not want others to know she was their nurse. The Benedums were a prominent Pittsburgh family who became rich through the oil business. Michael Benedum (1869-1959) was the first to come to Pittsburgh and he made the family money through his wildcatting operations. He also was a known philanthropist and started the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation in honor of his deceased son. Michael Benedum was the uncle of Paul Benedum.
Previous owner
Willeen Benedum
(died 1986)
Related person
Paul Benedum
Related institution
Rolling Rock Club
On View
Not on view
Flying Cross
Kathy Peterson
Cliff Keen Athletic
Costumes Unlimited, Inc.
