Images(3)

Lens

Object number2018.105.22 a-c

Manufacturer Morris Labowitz

MediumGlas or plastic; Paper; Ink

Credit LineGift of Patty Sims

DescriptionTwo eyeglass lenses and a paper storage envelope.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth (a): 1.5 × 1.625 × 0.063 in. (3.8 × 4.1 × 0.2 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (b): 1.5 × 1.625 × 0.063 in. (3.8 × 4.1 × 0.2 cm)
Length x Width (c): 7.188 × 3.5 in. (18.3 × 8.9 cm)
Inscriptions(c) Text in top left corner reads: "G96 5M 6 46".

Six-cell chart has black text surrouding it-- on left side, text reads: "O.D." on left of top cell, and "O.S." on left of bottom cell. "Sp. H." above top-left cell, "Cyl." above top-center cell, and "Ax." above top-right cell. Two cells next to it.

Text in lower section, from left to right, reads: "Time P.D. Eye / Inst. / Job No. / Price / Dep / Bal".
Marks(c) Text in top right corner: "MORRIS / LABOWITZ / OPTICIAN OPTOMETRIST / LOCATED AT / KAUFMANN'S / FIFTH AVE. PITTSBURGH".
Historical NotesThis eyeglass lens set was stored in a steamer trunk that was found in the home of sisters Jo and Dolly Ferrara. This steamer trunk was found in the home of sisters Jo and Dolly Ferrara. The donor’s father, James Hahn was close to the Ferrara family and, when the parents passed away, he continued to help daughters Jo and Dolly who never married. After they died, the donor and her father cleaned out the house and discovered this trunk and its contents. The trunk belonged to the Ferarra’s cousin, Domenico Ferrara. Originally from Rivisondoli in the province of L’Aquila, he lived in various places around Pittsburgh, as well as Detroit and Atlanta, before moving in with his relatives at 1431 Denniston Ave in the early 1950s. Untouched since Domenico’s death in the 1970s, the trunk contained many items that offered clues about his life. He served in WWI for the United States, was a tailor by profession, and invested in the stock market, which financed his travels around the U.S.

Related institution Kaufmann's Department Store (1871 - 2005)

Previous owner Domenico Ferrara

Related person Jo Ferrara

Related person Dolly Ferrara

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