Uniform, Organizational
Object number2019.24.1 a,b
Retailer
Kaufmann's Department Store
(1871 - 2005)
Datec. 1940
OriginPittsburgh, PA
MediumWool; Fabric; Brass; Wood
Credit LineGift of Family of Gordon Ober Snyder, Ligonier, PA
DescriptionChild's olive drab wool jacket resembles a U.S. Army military service jacket. Collared with notched lapel and shoulder straps featuring one small-size brass button each. Single-breasted with three buttonholes and two corresponding large-size brass buttons; bottom button is missing. One faux pocket flap on each breast with one small-size brass button each. One flapped pocket on front of each hip with one small-size brass button each. Each of the aforementioned buttons have eagle motif on front. Brass "U.S." lapel pin on the proper right lapel with pinback closure. Proper left upper sleeve has applied olive-drab patch with three red chevrons above gold embroidered organizational name. Gray satin lining. Ten wooden toothpicks were found in the jacket's proper left hip pocket.DimensionsHeight x Width (a - width between shoulder seams): 20.875 x 13.125 in. (53 x 33.3 cm)Length x Width x Depth (b - single toothpick): 2.375 x 0.125 x 0.063 in. (6 x 0.3 x 0.2 cm)
Inscriptions(a)
Brass lapel pin on the proper right lapel is in the shape of "U.S."
Proper left upper sleeve has patch with gold embroidered text at bottom "JUNIOR / COMMANDO".
Marks(a)
Inside proper right front panel is black fabric label with white embroidered text "Kaufmann's / FIFTH AVENUE PITTSBURGH".
Historical NotesJunior Commandos uniform jacket worn by Gordon Ober Snyder as a child in Stahlstown, Pennsylvania during WWII. Snyder’s uniform was from Kaufmann’s Department Store. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette sponsored the local Junior Commandos program. Those who took the Commando’s pledge were encouraged to support the war effort through salvage collection, purchase of war bonds, or any activity that aided the war effort such as growing a Victory garden at home. The more items a child collected, the higher in rank he or she rose. Any child who signed the pledge could create a unit made up of five girls or boys and a corporal who commanded the unit and made sure they all lived up to the pledge. Snyder went on to become a well-respected funeral director in Ligonier/Latrobe, Pennsylvania. After attending the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 1959, where he met his wife, he took over the Joseph R. Hunter Funeral Home in Latrobe in 1962, changing its name to the Gordon O. Snyder Funeral Home, which is still a family owned business.
Related institution
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
(founded 1927)
Related institution
Junior Commandos
Previous owner
Gordon Ober Snyder
Related institution
Gordon O. Snyder Funeral Home
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