Images(6)

Costume, Performance

Object number2020.20.1 a-i

Manufacturer Costumes Unlimited, Inc.

Manufacturer Arrow

MediumCotton; Silk; Thread; Metal; Plastic; Polyester

Credit LineGift of Roberta J. Egelston

DescriptionMen's costume consisting of a jacket, pants, shirt, jabot, vest, red suspenders, red bowtie, top hat, and beard.DimensionsLength x Width x Depth (a): 43.5 × 30 × 1 in. (110.5 × 76.2 × 2.5 cm)
Length x Width x Depth (b): 42.5 × 21.5 × 1 in. (108 × 54.6 × 2.5 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (c): 33.75 × 53.5 × 0.25 in. (85.7 × 135.9 × 0.6 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (d): 24 × 16 × 1 in. (61 × 40.6 × 2.5 cm)
Height (d with strings laid flat): 43 in. (109.2 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (e): 24 × 20.25 × 0.75 in. (61 × 51.4 × 1.9 cm)
Length x Width x Depth (g): 16.5 × 2.5 × 1 in. (41.9 × 6.4 × 2.5 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (h): 6 × 9.25 × 11.5 in. (15.2 × 23.5 × 29.2 cm)
Length x Width x Depth (i): 14.5 × 5 × 2.5 in. (36.8 × 12.7 × 6.4 cm)
Marks(a) Tag has alternating handwritten and printed text that reads: "Made By / COSTUMES UNLIMITED, INC. / Chest 42 / Robert Reithmiller". "P" under "R" in "Robert".

(c) Maker's mark reads: "ARROW / DECTOLENE / WASH AND WEAR / 100% DACRON POLYESTER / MADE IN U.S.A.". Stamp on neck reads: "GLEN 15-32 CC". Text below this is faded and illegible. Stamp on bottom reads: "DECTOLENE GLEN CC". Text below this is faded and illegible.
Historical NotesUncle Sam costume worn by Robert Riethmiller. Robert Riethmiller of O'Hara Township was a veteran of World War II who served in the South Pacific with the 111th Infantry. Riethmiller was a life member and former commander of Guyasuta Post 709 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Sharpsburg, Pa. from c1969. He spent decades of his life volunteering for multiple veterans' organizations, hospitals and nursing homes, where he visited veterans in care and oversaw outings and activities for long-term patients. Most notably, he helped lobby for the establishment of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Veteran's Care Center and the VA Aspinwall site which became H.J. Heinz Progressive Care Center. Riethmiller was also part of the "Military Order of the Cootie," a VFW auxiliary for members involved with veterans' hospitals. He was therefore known among colleagues as "Cootie Bob." By the time of his death, it is estimated that he had contributed between 45,000-50,000 hours of volunteer service. Riethmiller was married to Doris Bauer Riethmiller, who was herself a member of the Auxiliary of Guyasuta Post 709. Together they had two children, William and Roberta (Bobby).Label TextThe U.S. Bicentennial in 1976 provided an opportunity for Americans to reflect on their national origins and identity. American symbols and stories could be found everywhere during the nation’s 200th year. A state-sponsored program in Pennsylvania public schools led to pageants, projects, and contests that demonstrated what students in the Commonwealth considered “American” in 1976.

Previous owner Robert Riethmiller (1915 - 2013)

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