Object Record
Images
Additional Images [6]
Metadata
Accession number |
1993.123 |
Object Identification Number |
1993.123.002c |
Object Name |
Cannister |
Donor |
Jorgensen, Iver |
Description |
Cannister that held an anti-dimming stick for a gas mask from WWI (see .002b and .002d). Light weight metal cylinder with flat top and bottom and smooth sides. Exterior is painted yellow and has black print. The lid is stuck on the cannister, and the contents appear to be inside. The bottom is gold in color. The text on the cannister reads as follows: "THIS CAN CONTAINS / ANTI-DIMMING STICK / FOR GAS MASKS / INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE / WIPE THE INNER SURFACE / OF EACH EYEPIECE CLEAN / WITH THE S___ RAG. BREATHE / ON THE CLEANED SURFACE / AND ON THE ANTI-DIMMING / STICK TO MOISTEN THEM AND / RUB THE STICK TWICE ACROSS / THE EYEPIECE. --- AGAIN / BREATHE ON THE EYEPIECE / AND RUB THE ANTI-DIMMING / COMPOSITION EVENLY OVER / THE WHOLE SURFACE WITH / THE TIP OF THE FINGER. / WHEN TO USE THE / ANTI-DIMMING STICK / THE COMPOSITION IS TO BE / APPLIED TO THE EYEPIECES OF / THE GAS MASK, WEEKLY OR / AFTER EACH TIME THAT THE / MASK HAS BEEN WORN." |
Dimensions |
H-2.25 Dia-1.25 inches |
Year Range From |
1917 |
Year Range To |
1919 |
Place Of Origin |
USA |
Owned By |
Jorgensen, Hans Peter |
Used By |
Jorgensen, Hans Peter |
Material |
tin |
Associated People |
Jorgensen, Iver Jorgensen,Hans Peter |
Search Terms |
Jorgensen, Iver Jorgensen, Hans Peter United States Military Army World War One WWI Equipment anti-dimming stick gas mask |
Provenance |
This gas mask set belonged to Hans Peter Jorgensen during his service in WWI. Hans Peter Jorgensen (b. July 11, 1886, d. May 16, 1966) was the oldest of eight children of Iver and Anna Jorgensen. They lived in German-occupied southern Denmark (Slesvig Holstein). After completing nurseryman's trade school, he planned to start his own plant nursery. Due to concerns about being called to serve in the German Army, Hans immigrated to the United States in 1907. Hans settled in Bridgeport, CT for a few years, where the Alfred Laursen family helped him adjust. He learned English, in part, from the "funny papers." After a few years, Hans moved to Ohio, and then learned about Grand View College (now University) in Des Moines, Iowa. He attended winter school there in 1910. Hans later worked for Iowa Seed and Nursery Company in Des Moines. In 1917, he joined the U.S. Army and served in France. He earned his citizenship because of his service. His brother, Lorenz, was killed while serving in the German army. Hans married Petrea A. Pedersen in Ringsted, Iowa in June of 1923. He had joined partnership with William Morrison to own and operate the Woodland Greenhouse in Des Moines at 1912 Woodland Avenue. Later, when the business failed, Hans and Petrea lost their savings. Next, Hans worked as a gardener for F.H. Luthe. He planted about 500 pansy flowers in front of their home for decoration, but people would stop to inquire if the plants were for sale. They sold the flowers and planted more the next year. The business continued to grow. In 1940, Mr. Luthe built a new house and no longer needed a full-time gardener. This action resulted in Hans and Petrea going into business for themselves. They built a small greenhouse and sold annual and perennial plants on a full-time basis. Petrea died in February 1958. Hans closed the business and retired at the end of the 1958 season. He then moved into an apartment across from their home and continued to garden on some of the land. It became a hobby in which he shared produce and cut flowers with neighbors, the Danish Old People's Home and Luther Memorial Church. He continued to be active until his death in 1966. ____________ This object was featured in the exhibit "Denmark - America's Smallest and Biggest Ally" which ran from September 2017 to September 2018. |
Images |
028\1993123002c.JPG |
Date Received by Museum |
08/15/1993 |