Images(3)

Dress

Object number2022.39.5

Datec. 1963

OriginRome, Italy

MediumFabric; Plastic

Credit LineGift of Arlene Campoli

DescriptionOff-white fabric child's dress. Sleeveless with square neckline. Ruffled bib around bodice section. Two pockets on front of skirt. Blue embroidered trim on neckline, ruffled bib, armscyes, pockets, and bottom of skirt. Additional blue embroidered details on chest (x's and square crosses), pockets (square crosses), and bottom of skirt (wavy line connecting black and blue embroidered repeated design). Three white plastic buttons down back opening.Historical NotesEmbroidered dress purchased by Sam Campoli in Rome, Italy, for his youngest daughter Arlene. Sam Campoli was one of eleven children born to Giovanni “Jon” and Maria Campoli (originally spelled Camipoli), who immigrated from Reggio Emilia in the region of Emilia-Romagna to Buena Vista, Pa. He was the first-American born child in the family. The Campoli’s lived in a company town (otherwise known as a coal patch) and they shared housing with another Northern Italian family. They moved to Blythedale in the late 1920s. Sam’s first job at U.S. Steel was as a laborer at Duquesne Works in the early 1930s; by late 1959, he was in management in the electric furnace department making stainless steel. In 1963, Campoli was sent by U.S. Steel to Terni, Italy to teach colleagues how to make stainless steel; he was gifted with an engraved ingot at the end of his foreign service. During his time in Italy, he visited near-by Rome, where he picked up souvenirs for his family: a rosary from the Vatican for his wife Florence Minkus Campoli, various saints medals from the Roman catacombs for his daughters Geraldine and Cathie, and an embroidered dress for his youngest daughter Arlene. Many of these items are religious in nature, which is notable for Campoli was non-religious and mentioned his parents' sentiments about the Catholic church not supporting peasants in Italy. He also picked up some medals from a jewelry store in Terni. Campoli never missed a day of work, retiring after 42 years as General Turn Foreman.

Previous owner Arlene Campoli

Related person Sam Campoli

Related institution United States Steel Corporation

Subjects