Object Record
Images
Additional Images [3]
Metadata
Accession number |
1993.123 |
Object Identification Number |
1993.123.004b |
Object Name |
Buckle, Belt |
Donor |
Jorgensen, Iver |
Description |
Dark silver colored metal belt buckle. Rectangular, horizontal in orientation. The top surface is mostly flat with a slight upward curve at the center. Applied to the top center is a circular decal with a rope-like border. Inside two of these border lines is the raised lettering "GOTT MIT UNS" (God With Us, in German) at the top and there is a leafy design at the bottom. In the center, inside the border, is a crown, also a raised design. The design on the back of the buckle is recessed. Near the "outer" end is a short rectangular loop that would attach to the other end of a belt. The "inner" end has a vertical bar with two pointed horizontal prongs on it. This bar swivels in and out. |
Dimensions |
W-2 L-2.5 D-0.875 inches |
Owned By |
Jorgensen, Hans Peter |
Material |
metal |
Associated People |
Jorgensen, Iver Jorgensen, Hans Peter |
Search Terms |
Jorgensen, Iver Jorgensen, Hans Peter WWI belt buckle Gott Mit Uns German |
Provenance |
This item was found in the bag in this same donation (93.123.4a ) and may have been a souvenir picked up by Jorgensen during his service. 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. |
Images |
212\1993123004b.JPG |
Date Received by Museum |
08/15/1993 |