Images(2)

Container, Document

Object number2008.33.24

MediumTin-plated sheet metal; Iron(?) or Steel(?); Glass; Paint(?)

Credit LineGift of Marsha V. Lambria

DescriptionRectangular-shaped license holder; tin-plated sheet metal on back, and a glass cover on front. Black and silver frame, (possibly painted?) around inside of holder; silver text across bottom of frame. Linked chain on top of holder, and connects to the back through holes in the top left and top right corners. Metal back has embossed maker's mark in lower right section. Text below maker's mark. DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 7.75 x 9 x 0.5 in. (19.7 x 22.9 x 1.3 cm)
InscriptionsText across lower section of holder on front reads: "GLORIA G. GRATE".

Text below maker's mark on back reads: "20 lbs / IC".
MarksMaker's mark in lower right section reads: "Follansbee Forge".
Historical NotesPart of a collection belonging to Gloria G. Giddens owner of the Golden Hair Salon in the Hill District and Homewood from the 1950s to the 2000s. Gloria G. Giddens was born August 10, 1925, and was one of the first African American women to graduate from Earl Wheeler Finishing and Modeling School, a previously all-white school, in 1951. She owned and operated two separate hair salons and a wig shop in the Hill District on Centre Avenue. In addition, she operated a clothing boutique, sponsored fashion shows, and developed a cosmetic line. When she wasn't spending her time hobnobbing with Pittsburgh's African American social elite, Gloria sponsored charm schools for African American girls at the Hill District YMCA, serving as a role model to countless young ladies. She died from cancer in 2006.Label TextFrame, no date. Gloria Grate displayed her professional credentials and certificates in this frame that hung in her salons.

Related institution Golden Hair Salon

Related person Gloria G. Giddens (1925 - 2006)

Related institution Earl Wheeler Finishing and Modeling School

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