Fitting In?


Changing Values and Identities in Canadian Women’s Uniforms
1945-1980



About
Historical Background
Acknowledgments

Uniforms:
1. Gymnastics, 1945-1955
2. Graduation, 1948 
3. Domestic Service, 1950s
4. Royal Canadian Air Force (W.D), 1953
5. TTC Guide, 1955
6. Nursing, 1950s- 1960s
7. Expo 67’ Canadian Pavillion, 1967
8. PWA Flight Attendent, 1971
9. CN Tower Jumpsuit, 1976
10. Unitarian, 1950s -1980s
11. Tim Hortons, 1970s




Lotta Hitschmanova’s Unitarian Service Committee Uniform 

Date: 1950s -1980s
Materials: Synthetic, metal, plastic 
Maker: Manufactured by Bernard Appel. 
Accreditation: Canadian Museum of History, 2004.55.2 a-b


 Lotta Hitschmanova (1909-1990) is a significant figure in Canadian history for her life filled with philanthropic endeavors. Hitschmanova founded the Canadian branch of the Unitarian Service, a sector of Christianity which is considered a Non-Government Organization (NGO). While working for this organization, she raised awareness and relief funds for people affected by war, hunger, and poverty. Histchmanova received many awards for her humanitarian service including the Order of Canada, several Red Cross Medals and the United Nations Headquarters Medal amongst many other global recognitions. It is unknown how Lotta Hitschmanova acquired this army uniform, yet it is interesting nonetheless why she chose this uniform as a base. Perhaps the designation of army nurse aspect reflects her personal beliefs to care for others which she demonstrated through her life. The altered use of an army uniform may suggest traits of discipline, method and resilience. In almost every photograph she wears similar style military uniforms self-fashioning herself to fit her roles in Unitarian service.

Dr.Lotta Hitschmanova un her uniform. 
Photo courtesy of Mario Geo.

Illustration of Lotta Hitschmanova’s Unitarian uniform.

Physical Description:An olive-brown coloured dress and a matching belt combine to make Lotta Hitschmanova’s uniform. The dress fastens on the bodice centre front with three buttons and a 12-inch metal zipper along the left side seam. The waist has a 28-inch circumference and has four darts on the front and four darts on the back. The embroidered patch on the upper left sleeve reads “Unitarian Service Committee” accompanied by the Unitarian symbol of a flaming chalice. The shoulder straps (also known as epaulettes) are 4 inches long on the shoulders which enable the wearer to keep bag straps on their shoulders without them slipping off. There is a small cargo pocket on each breast. The sleeves are 19 inches long with 2 ½ inch wide with formal French cuffs. There are 25 inches from the waist to the hem of the A-line skirt. A yoke on the back allows for a better fit and supports the gathers below it. The tag at the back of the neck reads “US Army Nurse Corps Uniform”. 


References:
  1. Unitarian Service Committee of Canada. Dress. 1950s-1980s. Canadian Museum of History. Gatineau, QC. https://www.historymuseum.ca/collections/artifact/1806659
  2. Geo, Mario. Dr. Lotta Hitschmanova in uniform.1980s. Getty Images. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hitschmanova.png

Prev    Next