Images(4)

Ashtray

Object number2021.177.4

Date1930-1977

MediumStainless steel

Credit LineGift of Cathie Ellen Donohoe

DescriptionStainless steel ashtray. Stainless steel Type 302. Rounded square silver-colored ashtray with U-shaped divot (cigarette rest) in each corner. Circular sunken center with engraved geometric design on the walls and engraved company name at center. DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 5.875 x 8.375 x 11.125 in. (14.9 x 21.3 x 28.3 cm)
MarksUnderside has engraved text at center "MANUFACTURED FROM / USS STAINLESS STEEL / TYPE 302".

Front center has engraved text around perimeter "UNITED STATES STEEL [three stars]" and at center is text logo "USS".
Historical NotesU. S. Steel ashtray collected by Sam Campoli during his career. 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, Pennsylvania. 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, Pennsylvania, in the late 1920s. Sam Campoli’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. The family was pro-union and, when there was a strike in 1960, Campoli had to cross the picket line because he was management. Lots of members of the Campoli family worked for U.S. Steel, including two brothers - Geano Campoli, Delmar Campoli, and brother-in-law, Caesar Soliani, who died in a tragic accident (the company paid a nominal sum to the family). Sam Campoli was sent to Terni, Italy in the mid-1960s to teach the process of manufacturing stainless steel. He never missed a day of work, retiring after 42 years as General Turn Foreman. Donor Cathie Donohoe is Sam Campoli's daughter.

Related institution United States Steel Corporation

Previous owner Sam Campoli

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