Images(4)

Cap, Garrison

Object number2018.157.1

Date1939-1945

MediumFabric; Metal; Enamel

Credit LineGift of Joy Burt Conti

DescriptionBlue garrison cap with navy blue piping. Front proper left area bears two metal and enamel pins: front pin is Curtiss-Wright silver wings and rear pin is the Army-Navy "E" Award. Interior is lined with black fabric and has brown leather sweatband. DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 5 x 0.5 in. (12.7 x 1.3 cm)
InscriptionsSweatband's proper right rear area has sticker with black printed text "Mrs. John D. Boynes / 218 13th Street / Beaver Falls Pennsylvania".

Foremost pin has silver text on the blue enamel circle "Curtiss / Wright" and raised text below circle "Beaver".

Rearmost pin has silver "E" at center.
Historical NotesThis cap belonged to Dorothy Graham Boynes Mathewson, who worked for Curtiss-Wright during World War II. Dorothy Graham Boynes Mathewson was born on January 23, 1916 in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania to Albert Morningstar Graham and Willa Iva Gertrude Reed Graham. After graduating as salutatorian from high school, Dorothy enrolled in Mrs. Pinkerton’s Business School in downtown Pittsburgh., graduating in 1935. In 1936, she was hired by Williams & Co., a metal warehouse on Pittsburgh Northside, to work in the accounts receivable office. She held this position until her marriage with John Boynes in June of 1941. In 1942, after her husband enlisted in the U.S. Navy, Dorothy began looking for work and was offered her old position at Williams & Co. She instead took a position with Curtiss-Wright Corp., which was closer to the couple’s apartment in Beaver Falls. Dorothy started as a stenographer in the Tool & Gage Department. Her office included the drafting department, where designs for airplane propellers were being created. Dorothy’s father was a draftsman, who often took work home. With her experience of watching her father work, Dorothy understood the drawings being made at Curtiss-Wright. As draftsmen were in short supply during the war, Dorothy’s boss let her work on drafting for two years during the war. She worked with one other female draftsmen and three male draftsmen. After Japan’s surrender, Curtiss-Wright immediately closed their plant. The employees were given one day to return to their offices to retrieve personal items. Dorothy would later assist her husband John with his photography business. She worked on retouching negatives, printing, finishing, and oil coloring photographs, along with managing appointments and assisting with sales. Following John’s death in 1978, Dorothy was appointed Wage Tax Collector for Findlay Township and West Allegheny School Board, a position her husband had held. She resigned this position in August of 1981. Dorothy married John Mathewson in 1981. Dorothy died on March 7, 2016.

Previous owner Dorothy Graham Boynes Mathewson (born 1916)

Related institution Williams and Company, Inc.

Related institution Curtiss-Wright Corporation

Related institution Mrs. Pinkerton’s Business School

Related person John D. Boynes

Related person Albert Morningstar Graham

Related person John Mathewson

Related person Willa Iva Gertrude Reed Graham

Subjects