African Americana

Early Pullman Railroad Company porter's uniform jacket. Heavy wool-like material with approximately 2-in. collar, 34 in. length, 24 1/2 in. sleeves, and 19 in. shoulders. Left chest pocket and right lower pocket. Lined with a lighter black textured fabric. Retains six metal buttons stamped "PULLMAN." Left sleeve with 4 bar insignia. Interior manufacturer label "Marshall Field & Company / Uniform Division / Twelfth Floor the Merchandise Mart / Chicago." Overall good condition with light wear to exterior, interior sleeve lining separating from black interior lining on one side.

[With:] Matching 4-pocket vest that retains 7 "PULLMAN" buttons. Vest and its interior lining with wear consistent to age and use. -- Pullman wood hanger featuring text on both sides "Travel and Sleep In Pullman Safety an Comfort."

Though African American men working as Pullman Porters often faced rampant discrimination, difficult working conditions, and received low pay, the position nonetheless still maintained an aura of prestige within the African American community. This was exemplified, in part, by the Porter's uniform, but came at a steep cost. An April 1915 government inquiry led by Chairman Frank P. Walsh of the Federal Industrial Commission found that porters were typically paid $27.50 a month wages, but were required to purchase their uniforms exclusively at Marshall Fields & Company at the cost of $24.50 whenever they needed a new uniform.