Images(3)

Patch, Insignia

Object number2013.57.1

Manufacturer The Standard Pennant Company

Date1940-1960

OriginBig Run, PA

MediumFelt, thread

Credit LineGift of Dorothy Miller

DescriptionCircular, felt patch. Blue border with red center and white stitching. Across the front center is an image of a woman diving in a bathing suit and swim cap with surrounding text.Dimensions0.125 x 5 in. (0.3 x 12.7 cm)
InscriptionsPatch reads: "PITTSBURGH / WATER / BABIES / AND THEIR / BIG SISTERS".
Marks"THE STANDARD PENNANT CO. / BIG RUN, PA / IF IT IS MADE OF FELT OR / LEATHER "WE MAKE IT" " on tag on back.
Historical NotesPittsburgh Water Babies patch. The Pittsburgh Water Babies was formed by Lula “Lou” Stilley in 1935 as an unsponsored synchronized swimming team that performed at Pittsburgh area pools and country clubs for the next thirty years. As many of the original members aged, and eventually some of their children joined, Lou changed the name to the “Pittsburgh Water Babies and Their Big Sisters and Brothers.” Stilley was an Olympic hopeful swimmer and diver whose career was cut short by a car accident. She started the Water Babies to teach local area children how to swim. The Water Babies practiced at Mount Oliver pool in the summer and Knoxville Junior High School in the winter. Their performance themes ranged from patriotic to circus and Halloween; with the children’s parents making all of the props and costumes for the shows. By the 1960s “The Toyland Wedding” seems to have been their main act. The wedding consisted of two young swimmers playing the bride and groom accompanied by the bridal party, while children ranging from age three to eighteen performed different parts of the celebration; some of the youngest children played the wedding party and the “contingent from Candyland,” while older children slayed the dragon and performed the more difficult synchronized bits. The performance lasted for over an hour and ended with the dragon slaying competition for the hand of King Neptune’s daughter, Laughing Water.

Related institution Pittsburgh Water Babies

Related person Lula Stilley

Related institution Knoxville Junior High School

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