Uniform, Occupational

Object number2019.27.2 a-c

Date1966-1970

MediumFabric; Plastic; Meta; Ink

Credit LineGift of Rose Gantner

DescriptionLight blue and white striped women's uniform top and skirt. Top has American Red Cross patch on proper left arm, plastic black buttons and pin attached to proper left collar.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth (a): 25.75 × 29 × 0.5 in. (65.4 × 73.7 × 1.3 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (b): 23 × 23.75 × 0.5 in. (58.4 × 60.3 × 1.3 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (c): 0.438 × 1.313 × 0.25 in. (1.1 × 3.3 × 0.6 cm)
Inscriptions(a) Buttons read: "AMERICAN RED CROSS" surrounding a cross in center. "RK" handwritten on back of neck, inside shirt. Patch: "AMERICAN RED CROSS". Handwritten text on lower proper left side: "225". Printed text on tag: "447"

(b) Embroidered initials on proper left hip by button: "RK". Handwritten text back, inside of waist: "225". Printed text on tag on front of waist: "447"

(c) "A.R.C."
MarksLabel: "SAVOY".
Historical NotesUniform worn by Rose Gantner.Label TextInspired by President Kennedy and a relative’s military service, South Side native Rose Gantner served two tours with the SRAO (Supplemental Recreation Activities Overseas) program. Affectionately known as “Donut Dollies,” the women deployed in pairs to firebases to offer troops a brief break through recreational games and activities. After a 10-hour day in the field, Rose often spent the evening visiting wounded soldiers and supporting medical teams. Her experience ministering to soldiers with what we now know as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) helped shape her later career as a counseling psychologist. As recent college graduates, many Donut Dollies had friends who were drafted, as well as friends who were protesting the war. Some signed up to see the country and conflict for themselves to better form their opinions on the Vietnam War.

Related institution American Red Cross

Previous owner Rose Gantner

Related institution Donut Dollies

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