Fez
Fez
Fez

Fez

Object number2018.8.18
Manufacturer
OriginKalamazoo, MI
MediumFelt; Fabric; Metal; Plastic
Credit LineGift of Edward Feinstein
DescriptionDark red felt fez. Top center of crown has black tassel. Front of hat has embroidered yellow text above embroidered yellow and white Shriner emblem that includes the scimitar, the sphinx, the claws, and the star; the sphinx is gold metal and the star has a red jewel at center.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 8.5 x 8 x 7.125 in. (21.6 x 20.3 x 18.1 cm)
InscriptionsFront of hat has embroidered yellow text "OASIS".

Interior front of crown has pink fabric with handwritten black ink text at top "I.K."
MarksInterior front of crown has pink fabric with black printed text "IHLING BROS. EVERARD CO. / MASONIC OUTFITTERS / KALAMAZOO, MICH."
Historical NotesShriner fez that belonged to Isadore Kalson. Isadore Kalson (1896-1980) worked in his youth for Rauh Bros. & Co. He served in World War I with the 52nd Infantry, Sixth Division. He was a charter member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Corp. H. O. Diller Post No. 156, Mt. Washington and was elected VFW Allegheny County Commander in 1934, becoming the first Jewish person to hold the post. He later worked in city government and ran successfully in a close race against Richard Mellon Scaife for Republican Party Chair. He lived in Oakland and Squirrel Hill in his later years. Isadore's father, Harry Kalson, immigrated to Pittsburgh in 1891. He was later joined by brothers Nathan Kalson, David Kalson, Samuel Kalson, Mrs. L. Moll, Mrs. Ida Becker and Mrs. Anna Brinn. He worked as a plumbing and building contractor and later ran the Profit Sharing Laundry Co. with his sons. He was the proprietor of Kalson’s Natatorium, a popular bath house in the Hill District. Kalson was active in Republican politics and served a term on the Common Council in 1905. He was president of Tifrerth Israel Congregation for nine years under the tenure of Rabbi Eliyahu Kochin. He was a founder of the United Hebrew Orthodox Congregations of Western Pennsylvania and its president in 1923 and 1924. He was also a founder of the Hebrew Religious Academy at 81-83 Tannehill Street. He was active in many Jewish philanthropies, including the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies, Keren Hayesod and Montefiore Hospital, as well as many fraternal lodges. Harry Kalson and his wife Hinda Libbe Horwitz Kalson had at least eight children: Dr. Abraham Maurice Kalson, Samuel H. Kalson, Isadore Kalson, Robert Kalson, Ralph Kalson, William Kalson, Jacob E. Kalson and Ruth Kalson. Jacob E. Kalson was the assistant district attorney
Previous owner (1896 - 1980)
Related institution (founded 1870)
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