Dress
Dress
Dress

Dress

Object number2012.74.2
Designer
Manufacturer
Datec. 1945
OriginMilwaukee, WI
Mediumpolyester; metal; cotton
Credit LineGift of Ina Mae Smithley
DescriptionWhite dress with sheer polyester on top with shapes of butterflies and flowers made of multicolored fabric. Long sleeves. Full, floor-length skirt. Four snap buttons down front to top of skirt; waist has two hooks. Two snap buttons on sleeve cuffs. Skirt made of linen and covered with decorative zig-zag patterns in a variety of multicolored fabrics. Red belt loops.Dimensions55 x 15 x 23 in. (139.7 x 38.1 x 58.4 cm)
MarksLabels on proper left inner lining of skirt:
First label: black embroidery, "Samuel Winston / by Roxane".
Second label: grey embroidery, "Zita, inc. / MILWAUKEE".
Historical NotesDress worn by Willeen Benedum, and later given to donor Ina Mae Smithley, her nurse. 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 (died 1986)
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