Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

Illustration of Uniform
1920-60
Maker not researched
USA: Michigan, Kalamazoo
Pen and Ink on Cardboard
overall: 22 x 11 in.; 55.88 x 27.94 cm
Gift of Ihling Bros. Everard Co.
98.041.200

Illustration of Bellboy or Telegraph Boy Uniform; pen and ink illustration on cardboard; figure walking proper left, looking at paper held by left hand chest high, right arm at side; man wears round pillbox hat, coat with high collar & three vertical rows of buttons, black center horitzonal trim with vertical stripes down chest, single black band on cuff, black stripe down pants.

In this drawing, likely illustrated between 1920 and 1960, a model outfitted as a bellboy or telegraph delivery boy is presented looking at a piece of paper. His jacket facing and the trim on the sides of his pants demonstrate how military styles influenced civilian working wear. The clean, crisp look of military-style clothing suggested a well-organized and disciplined workforce.