Clothing
A Precious Purse
Paris, France
The purse exhibited here was a gift to Aliza G’s paternal great-great grandmother, Sorah S,from 1916. The purse depicts a scene of a Gazebo in Paris, where it was purchased. In 1916, Sorah was working as millinery, for a New York hat designing company. As part for her job, Sorah would go to horse shows, where high class, elegant men and women would bring their best horses to be judged in different categories, all hoping to win the same blue ribbon for their category. Sorah would go to these shows to look for inspiration for her hat designs. Because this was such a great event, wealthy men and women would dress in their fanciest attire to attend the show. With all of the different designs she saw, it was easy for Sorah to get a quick glimpse at all the women’s different hat styles and shapes, and be inspired for her own designs. Sorah’s creations were so beautiful that business flourished and Mr. S, Sorah’s boss was very happy with her talents and success. Months later, when Mr. Schwartz went on a business trip to Paris, he bought Sorah four beautiful, handmade, beaded, intricate, evening purses, as a gift to show her how much he appreciated her hard work. These purses were passed down in Sorah’s family beginning with Sorah giving one to her mother, Lea, one to her daughter Bette W, and, years later, when Bette’s daughter Barbra S was older, one was also given to her. These purses are now almost one hundred years old, and have been treasured in Sorah’s family forever.
They are a sign of how hard Sorah worked, how dedicated she was to her job, and how greatly she was appreciated by her employer.
Silk Scarf
Paris, France
Rebecca B.\'s maternal great grandmother, Rebecca C. (one of the women for whom Rebecca was named for), brought a silk scarf with her to America in 1922. In 1917, she left Uman, Russia with her mother, two sisters, and younger brother. Together, they traveled for five years until they reached Le Havre, France. The B. family isn\'t certain, but they believe that Rebecca bought the flowered scarf in Paris before boarding the boat to America, bringing it because of her love for beautiful objects and clothing. Rebecca\'s daughter and granddaughter do not know how she was able to afford such an expensive item, as the family was very poor at the time, but that fact made the shawl more special to Rebecca and to her descendants. It is seen by the family as a reward to Rebecca for making the tough journey. The scarf symbolizes strength and courage needed to complete that trip. It has been passed down from Rebecca, to her daughter, then to her granddaughter, Rebecca B.\'s mother, who still has it.
Rebecca B. has learned about her maternal great grandmother from this scarf, and hopes that it will always stay in her family for others to learn Rebecca C.\'s story.
Fashion Accessories
Detroit, Michigan and Paris, France
When Tara D\'s maternal great- grandmother passed away, she gave accessories to her daughter, Tara\'s maternal grandmother, Judy S. She gave Judy gloves, a scarf, a purse, and a necklace. Tara D\'s great-grandmother wore the gloves to her daughter\'s wedding. The gloves and the purse were both bought on Tara\'s great-grandmother\'s first trip to Europe. Tara\'s great-grandmother received this necklace from her husband in honor of their tenth anniversary. Tara\'s great-grandmother bought this scarf in a store named Klein\'s for ten dollars. Tara\'s great-grandmother left her daughter a note before she passed away, telling her about the history of the scarf.
These accessories have been passed down to Tara\'s maternal grandmother, Judy S, who wears these accessories and uses them today.
Purse
New York
After Arianna K\'s maternal great- great-grandmother Tillie came from Europe to New York, she got a lovely sterling silver purse from her parents when she was a teenager. The stunning purse was given to Arianna\'s great-great-grandmother to use during special occasions. It meant a lot to Arianna\'s great-great grandmother, and it was passed down from generation to generation. The purse is also a symbol to show the beautiful craftsmanship of that time.
The purse is kept in Arianna\'s grandmother’s house and has been in Arianna\'s family for over 100 years.
Bris Outfit
Baltimore, Maryland
In 1942, in honor of Ari P\'s maternal grandfather\'s Brit Milah, Ari\'s maternal great-great-grandmother, Rita F, bought a dress for her grandson to wear during his Brit Milah. Ever since that time, every boy born in the family wore this dress in honor of his Brit Milah. Throughout three generations over thirty boys wore this special dress. Because it is almost seventy years old, it is washed very carefully by hand by Ari\'s great-great-aunt Nanette. She also mails it to the next place where the next Brit Milah will be.
The dress is very special to Ari\'s family, and they hope that the dress will last for many more generations.