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Device, Pest Control

Object number2018.105.28 a,b

MediumMetal; Fabric

Credit LineGift of Patty Sims

DescriptionElongated cream and brown vaporizor. Cream-color moths printed around top and bottom brown sections. Green circle in top section with white text within it and below it, and cream text along bottom edge on back. Rows of holes throughout center of cannister.DimensionsLength x Diameter: 7.875 × 1.875 in. (20 × 4.8 cm)
Diameter x Depth: 1.875 × 0.5 in. (4.8 × 1.3 cm)
Inscriptions"MABEX" printed in green circle, and "VAPORIZER" printed below this.

Text printed on back reads: "fill with ... / PARADICHLOROBENZENE / NUGGETS or MOTH BALLS / thru opening on the top ...."
Marks"THE MABEX CO. / PHILADELPHIA, PA. / MADE IN U.S.A." printed on bottom of cannister on back.
Historical NotesThis ventilator 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.

Previous owner Domenico Ferrara

Related person Jo Ferrara

Related person Dolly Ferrara

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