Napkin
Object number2018.34.2
Date1974
OriginChicago, IL
MediumPaper; Paint(?)
Credit LineGift of Mary Strezeski
DescriptionLarge square off-white crepe paper napkin folded twice to make smaller square napkin. In folded position, the napkin has two straight sides and two scalloped sides. In unfolded position, all edges are scalloped. When folded, front has silver-gray printed image of wedding bells and flowers at top, printed commemorative message at center, and ribbon motif with two wedding rings along scalloped edges. Overall napkin has repeated sunburst/flower pattern. DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth (folded): 6.25 x 6.25 x 0.031 in. (15.9 x 15.9 x 0.1 cm)Height x Width x Depth (unfolded): 12.438 x 12.438 x 0.016 in. (31.6 x 31.6 x 0 cm)
InscriptionsFront center has silver-gray printed text "Mary and John / Nov. 16, 1974".
MarksWhen folded, reverse has silver-gray maker text in bottom proper right corner "© NIBART INC. CHGO"; the name of the company is difficult to decipher and may not be correct
Historical NotesNapkin from wedding of Mary Demharter and Strezeski on November 16, 1974. Mary Demharter met John Strezeski in 11th grade at Highlands High School in Natrona Heights when they were 16 in 1969. They were both born and raised in Natrona Heights. She claims he gave her a ride home from school one day and they began to date. They were engaged Christmas Eve of 1973 and married on November 16, 1974. She went to New Kensington to buy her dress at Harts Department Store, which is where most people went to buy gowns from her area in the 1970s. Harts had three stores in the area at the time, but only the New Kensington location sold wedding gowns. The other big dress shop in town was called The Ritz, but it sold more prom styles. She liked the empire waist style of the dress. They were both starting new jobs so they did not go on a honeymoon. She started as a medical technologist at Allegheny Valley and he started in maintenance at Allegheny Ludlum, they both retired from these jobs. They were married at St. Johns in Natrona Heights, which has since burned down.
Related person
John Strezeski
Related institution
Highlands High School
Related institution
Allegheny Valley Hospital
Related institution
Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corporation
(1938 - 1996)
Related institution
St. John's
On View
Not on view
c. 1930
1952-1954
Samuel Rosenberg
1951
1983-1984
