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Uniform owned by Pullman Porter Robert Thomas, ca. 1920
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Uniform owned by Pullman Porter Robert Thomas, ca. 1920
A Pullman Porter uniform jacket and trousers owned by Robert Jackson Thomas. Being a Pullman porter was one of the jobs that helped build the black middle class in America, and Pullman porters were key figures in the civil-rights movement. The jacket is made from a heavy wool-like material with a two inch collar and lined with a lighter black textured fabric. There are six metal outer buttons stamped with " PULLMAN" and six inner navy plastic buttons running down the opening of the coat. Each sleeve has two buttons on the cuff and a small square textile design on the wrist. The outside of the jacket has single-welt pockets on the left breast, on the right hip, and in the interior liner of the right breast. A sewn label directly under the interior pocket reads " Wanamaker & Brown / Philadelphia" in yellow thread on black fabric
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Media ID 22177408
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Black History Cultural Heritage Heritage Nmaahc Public Transport Pullman Company Railway Staff Railway Worker Railways Trousers Afro American
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a well-preserved uniform owned by Pullman Porter Robert Thomas, dating back to the 1920s. The significance of this uniform extends far beyond its aesthetic appeal, as being a Pullman porter played a crucial role in shaping the black middle class in America and contributed to the civil rights movement. The jacket, crafted from a heavy wool-like material, features a distinguished two-inch collar and is lined with a lighter black textured fabric. Adorned with six metal outer buttons stamped with "PULLMAN" and six inner navy plastic buttons running down its opening, this garment exudes both elegance and functionality. Each sleeve boasts two cuff buttons along with a small square textile design on the wrist. Notably, the jacket includes single-welt pockets on the left breast, right hip, and within the interior liner of the right breast. A sewn label beneath one of these pockets proudly displays "Wanamaker & Brown / Philadelphia" in yellow thread on black fabric. Preserved at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), this artifact serves as an emblematic representation of African American heritage within industrial settings such as railways. It symbolizes resilience, determination, and progress achieved by individuals like Robert Jackson Thomas who dedicated their lives to providing exceptional service while breaking barriers for future generations. Through this photograph print captured by an unknown artist or photographer from Heritage Images collection emerges not only an exquisite piece of clothing but also an important chapter in American history that deserves recognition and appreciation for its cultural significance.
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