Object Record
Images
Metadata
Accession number |
1994.038 |
Object Identification Number |
1994.038.030a |
Object Name |
Napkin |
Donor |
Harkay, Edna Christensen |
Description |
Small square piece of cloth with the figure of a standing man printed on a blue background. Bordered by white fringe. Part of a set of six similar, but not identical, pieces of cloth (1994.038.030a-f). The set illustrates national or folk costumes from different regions in Denmark. This napkin depicts the male folk costume of Amager. The clean-shaven, blue-eyed, blond youth is wearing a black top hat, a waist-length black jacket trimmed with red and lined with buttons, a striped neckerchief, black pants and black shoes. His right hand dangles against his side, while his left hand curves against his body, as though he is reaching towards his pocket. The proper right lower corner reads "AMAGER" and the proper left corner reads "DANMARK". |
Dimensions |
W-5.563 L-5.875 inches |
Place Of Origin |
Denmark? |
Owned By |
Harkay, Edna Christensen |
Material |
cotton |
Associated People |
Harkay, Edna Christensen |
Search Terms |
Harkay, Edna Christensen napkin coaster Danish folk costume Amager Denmark Danmark folk costume top hat Fords New Jersey |
Provenance |
No further information regarding this gift. The history and purpose of these cloth pieces are unknown. Their diminuitive size suggests they may be beverage napkins or coasters, and pin holes in the upper corners suggest that these may have been hung as decoration at one time. However, since there is no documentation from the donor regarding their use, this is only speculation. --------------------------------------------- Donor Family History: The donor's parents are both on the museum's Wall of Honor. Her father was born on April 30, 1900. He died on September 20, 1948 from a ruptured appendix. Ellen Christensen was born on June 13, 1902 and died on February 7, 1996. The couple had four children together, 3 girls and 1 boy. The boy died at age 6 of pneumonia. The donor of this gift is the oldest child. Otto Christensen was one of eight children. Otto immigrated to America in 1922. He was sponsored by Christian Christensen, one of his two brothers who had immigrated to the U.S. Otto returned to Denmark in 1924 and married Ellen in Struer on February 15. Otto returned to America and Ellen followed in the spring. They lived in South Ozone Park, Long Island, New York until 1926. This is where the donor was born. By 1929 they had lived on Staten Island and in two places in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. This is where their next child was born. In 1930, they lived in Fords, New Jersey where their third girl and only boy were born. Fords became their permanent home. The family belonged to the St. Stephen's Lutheran Church. There were Danish services into the 1950's. Ellen sang in church and at weddings, funerals, minstrel shows, christenings, and special Danish functions. At the time of this donation, the church was celebrating 125 years and the donor was co-chairman. Otto worked on sewers in Long Island, Staten Island, and later as a crane operator. He joined the Merchant Marines in 1944 to do his part in the war effort. Otto was very patriotic and flew the American flag every day. In late 1945, he was discharged and went back to being a crane operator until his death. Ellen became a waitress in the 1940's, which led to catering Danish open-faced sandwiches, smørrebrød, and cold tables. Ellen visited Denmark at least seven times. The donor and her sisters have visited Denmark several times and have had relatives visit them. |
Images |
030\1994038030a.JPG |
Date Received by Museum |
1994 |