Undergarment
Not on view
Datec. 1920
ClassificationsTextile
Credit LineGift of Leslie G. Bromberg and Ellen R. Bromberg in memory of Adele Aschkenas
Object number2025.1.23
Object DescriptionWhite undergarment with cross stitching; white ribbons at hem to tie in front. NotesThese textiles and garments were created by Adele Aschkenas (Hudie Tremblower). Adele was born on February 13, 1886, in Jezierzany, Poland and died in Tucson, Arizona in 1972. In 1909, Adele married Chuna Aschkenas with whom she had three children. The family then immigrated to the United States, where they had two more children, including the mother of the donor. Chuna was a carpenter who immigrated to Brooklyn to meet his brother Velvel (Wolf) Aschkenas. Chuna came over first, establishing a living before sending the rest of his family over to join him. In Kopyczynce Poland, Adele worked as a dressmaker until she and her children left for the United States in 1920 aboard the ship named The Monjouria.
Adele was a very talented and resourceful woman. She owned their family home in Kopyczynce and rented rooms to family members to cover the cost. Locally in Kopyczynce, Adele was known as the “fashion designer” making clothes for the mayor’s family and other wealthy individuals in the community. She was purportedly the only Jew who was allowed to enter the mayor’s home through the front door. Wealthy women would arrive at Adele’s home in horse-drawn carriages for fittings.
Adele did not use patterns; she created her own custom designs.
