Images(5)

Brooch

Object number2017.68.2

MediumMetal; Gemstone

Credit LineGift of Jennifer Busia

DescriptionGold-tone frog brooch encrusted with colorless gemstones on the body and green gemstones for the eyes. Surrounding the colorless gemstones is silver textured metal. Reverse is hollow. Pinback on reverse.DimensionsLength x Width x Depth: 4.188 × 2.688 × 0.875 in. (10.6 × 6.8 × 2.2 cm)
Historical NotesPart of a collection that documents the life and career of Sophie Masloff. Sophie had a love of frogs which she attributes to a time when she saw Eleanor Roosevelt speak in the Hill District when she was a child. After being inspired by Roosevelt, she stepped on a frog and from that point on associated frogs with that special day. She saw them as a good luck sign and had lots of frog mementos. Sophie Friedman (1917-2014) was born in the Hill District and attended Fifth Avenue High School. She became a clerk at the County Court in 1938 and worked there until 1976, the year she was elected to the City Council. She became Mayor in 1988 when she was president of the City Council and Richard Caliguiri died in office, making her next in line. She won the election in 1989 making her the first woman and Jew to hold the office. She declined to run again and retired in 1994. In 2000 and 2004 she served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention.

Previous owner Sophie Masloff (1917 - 2014)

Subjects