Niagra Pillow Cover. These patriotic & souvenir pillows were popular prior to both WWI and WWII. They were often sold in proximity to training camps and posts that graduated recruits from boot camp. They were often presented to female family members or sweet hearts by soldiers and sailors about to embark for the front. They were intended to cover sofa cushions and be a constant reminder of the absent serviceman. Often framed instead of actually used these are an excellent example of items used to boost civilian moral on the home front.
They often continued flags, stylized insignias, verse, a geographic reminder of the post, and were sometimes personalized.
Pillow covers were also sold at popular tourist destinations as mementos and souvenirs. These destinations were often at the terminus of a railroad and the pillows were a practical reminder of the visit as well as softening a hard wooden railroad seat on providing a comfort for the head on the return trip
These also contained flags as part of their designs. And were probably the genesis
of their patriotic counterparts.
From the Louise Veninga Collection.
ZFC Noteworthy Flag
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