Images(2)

Pin, Membership

Object number2023.104.9

Manufacturer L.G. Balfour Company

Date1945

MediumBrass; Metal; Enamel; Gemstone

Credit LineGift of Presbyterian-University Hospital Alumnae Association

DescriptionGold metal and enamel membership pin. Two-part pin is connected by a brass link chain. Proper right part of pin is a gold metal diamond shape with concave sides; front has black enamel background with white enamel band across center; top black band has two gold stars each framing a diamond-like gemstone; white and lower black bands have gold Greek letters; reverse has vertical locking pinback and engraved inscription. Proper left part of pin is two gold metal Greek letters with diagonal locking pinback on reverse.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 0.813 x 2.25 x 0.313 in. (2.1 x 5.7 x 0.8 cm)
InscriptionsFront of proper right part of pin has gold Greek letters "K A [Theta] / a w o".

Reverse of proper right part of pin has engraved text "A [Omega] / PATRICIA A. / ZINSSER / 4-21-45".

Proper left part of pin is in the shape of Greek letters "A [Omega]".
MarksReverse of proper right part of pin has engraved text near bottom "LGB"
Historical NotesPin that belonged to Patricia J. Wonderling. Part of a collection related to nurses that worked for Presbyterian University Hospital. The institution was named Presbyterian Hospital from 1893-1961. It is now part of the UPMC health system. Patricia Jean Wonderling Zinsser was in the graduating class of 1942, she passed away on April 2, 2005. Presbyterian Hospital was founded on the North Side of Pittsburgh in 1893 by Dr. Louise Wotring Lyle, the widow of a Presbyterian minister. Lyle had dreamed of opening a hospital to serve the needy and a school to train nurses. She helped found the Women’s Medical College in Cincinnati and graduated from it at the age of 50 in 1892. The next year, she returned to Pittsburgh, the place where she had nursed the wounded during the Civil War, and opened a five-room hospital out of her home. Dr. Jane Vincent, the first female physician in Allegheny County, aided Lyle in her efforts. Within two years she was able to open a school of nursing, and by 1968, it had graduated 2,950 nurses. Presbyterian Hospital eventually merged with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine to become Presbyterian-University Hospital. Although the School of Nursing closed, they maintain an active alumnae organization.

Related institution Presbyterian Hospital

Related institution Presbyterian University Hospital

Previous owner Patricia Jean Wonderling Zinsser (died 2005)

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