Images(4)

Hat

Object number2017.36.1

Manufacturer The Standard Pennant Company

Date1945

OriginBig Run, PA

MediumWool; Felt; Chenille; Leather; Metal; Paint

Credit LineGift of Bonita L. Kwolek

DescriptionBucket hat or cap. Off-white wool felt cap with domed crown consisting with six ribs and green fabric-covered button at center. Downward sloping brim has horizontal ribs. Front of crown has applied green felt letters identifying high school.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 5.5 × 9.25 × 9.25 in. (14 × 23.5 × 23.5 cm)
InscriptionsFront of crown has applied green felt letters "NCHS".

Underside of front brim has green embroidered text "Lill".

Interior has handwritten ink text just above maker label "7L".
MarksInterior has white fabric label with black embroidered text "THE STANDARD PENNANT CO. / BIG RUN, PA. / FELT. LEATHER AND CHENILLE / 100% WOOL".
Historical NotesThis high school cap was worn by Lillian Warso Kwolek during her graduation in 1945 from New Castle High School. Lillian later married Joseph Kwolek. Walter Kwolek (Joseph Kwolek's father) was born in Orzechowka, Poland, on June 22, 1890. He emigrated to New Castle, Pennsylvania around 1915. Although Kwolek had no formal training, family lore suggestes that he taught himself photography after cutting coupons from soap boxes to buy his first camera. Around 1920, he bought Robinson Art Photography Studio at 252 1/2 E. Washington Street in New Castle and renamed it Kwolek Photography Studio. Walter served as the photographer while his wife, Josephine Ostrowski Kwolek, cut prints and did coloring. Their son Joseph Kwolek held an interest in landscape and aerial photography. Joseph assumed control of the studio with his wife, Lillian Warso Kwolek, after Walter and Josephine retired. Throughout its operation the business specialized in studio portraits and weddings, but also created group shots at several local events. The studio closed in 1980 after Joseph's retirement.

Previous owner Lillian Warso Kwolek

Related person Joseph W. Kwolek

Related institution New Castle High School

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