Assemblage

Object number2010.75.91

OriginNew York, NY

MediumWood, Glass, metal

Credit LineGift of Slippery Rock University Foundation

DescriptionSick Call Cabinet or Last Rites Kit mounted inside a shadowbox. Square wooden cabinet with a clear glass front. Inside of cabinet is a purple velvet base with an assemblage of religious items inside including wax candles, paper instructions, crucifix, gold cups, decorative plates, and bottle of Holy Water.InscriptionsThe upper left side of case includes a white rectangular paper with the following inscription: "The / Sick Call Cabinet / CONTAINING ALL THE NECESSARY ARTICLES FOR THE ADMINISTRATION / OF THE LAST RITES / ALSO COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS / AND EXPLANATION / Fully Illustrated on Reverse Side / LANGAN & BROTHER / 95 CHAMBERS STREET / NEW YORK" in black lettering.

Parallel on the right side is a white rectangular paper of equal size labeled "Sick Call Instructions" and includes information for the administration of Last Rites.

Bottom center of base includes a clear glass bottle with the embossed text: "HOLY / WATER".

Gold colored circular sticker with the number "17" in black inside the case at bottom right.
Historical NotesPart of a collection that documents the contributions of Catholic orders to healthcare in Western Pennsylvania. The collection was originally on display at Slippery Rock University as an exhibition titled, "Sisters in Healthcare: Sixteen Communities of Religious Sisters in Western PA, 1847-1969." With this collection, the History Center has the largest collection of Pre-Vatican II habits in the United States. Many of the long-standing healthcare facilities in the region were started by the Sisters including Mercy Hospital, St. Francis Hospital, and many others.

Subjects

Terms