Suit
Object number2016.44.13 a-d
Manufacturer
R. A. Phelleps
Date1937
OriginPittsburgh, PA
MediumFabric; Wool; Satin(?); Plastic; Fiberboard; Metal
Credit LineGift of Susan Haas Prentiss
DescriptionThree-piece wedding suit consisting of morning coat, vest, pants, and handkerchief.DimensionsHeight x Width (a): 45.25 × 18.5 in. (114.9 × 47 cm) [Width measured between shoulder seams]Height x Width (b): 23 × 18.5 in. (58.4 × 47 cm)
Length x Width (c): 45.25 × 16.875 in. (114.9 × 42.9 cm) [Width measured at waist.]
Length x Width x Depth (d): 19 × 17.75 × 0.031 in. (48.3 × 45.1 × 0.1 cm)
Inscriptions(d)
Gray, white, and black embroidered monogram in one corner appears to read JDM, which may refer to James Mills Dalbey, who was the father of George Purdy Haas.
Marks(a)
The proper right interior pocket has a black fabric maker's label on the exterior with silver embroidered crest of two horses flanking a center "P" and embroidered text below "R.A. PHELLEPS / PITTSBURGH".
Historical NotesWorn by the donor Susan Haas Prentiss' father George Purdy Haas, on his wedding day. On June 18, 1937, Elizabeth Mills Dalbey wed George Purdy Haas (donor's mother and father) at Christ Methodist Episcopal Church. The wedding reception was at Oakmont Country Club and the honeymoon was in Virginia Beach at the Cavalier Hotel. George Purdy Haas also wore this suit and hat (2016.44.14) to walk his daughter, Susan Haas Prentiss, down the aisle at her 1964 wedding. The handkerchief (Part d) has gray, white, and black embroidered monogram in one corner that appears to read JDM, which may refer to James Mills Dalbey, who was the father of George Purdy Haas. If this is correct, then the handkerchief dates from earlier than the rest of the suit. Part of a collection of clothing and accessories of the Ash/Haas family. George Haas had a wholesale optical business on Oliver Street called G.W. Optical, it folded when he passed in 1968. It was started by his father George Washington Haas. His grandfather Jesse Purdy started American Waterworks with Mellon backing, they built dams all over the world.
Previous owner
George Purdy Haas
Related person
Elizabeth Mills Dalbey Haas
Related person
Susan Haas Prentiss
Related institution
Christ Methodist Episcopal Church
Related institution
Cavalier Hotel
Previous ownerPossibly
James Mills Dalbey
Terms
On View
Not on view
c. 1946
1941-1953
