2-832-506 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Light brown hard plastic Samsonite hat box suitcase with pale green synthetic fabric lining. The suitcase closes with two (2) metal spring-action latches on either side of the handle. The handle is made from a loop of brown plastic attached to the body of the suitcase with a metal bracket. A metal locking mechanism is above the handle and a metal plaque reading "Samsonite" is below the handle. There are four metal feet on the flat-bottomed edge of the suitcase. Mae Reeves (1912-2016) was a pioneering African-American milliner who was famous for her custom-made hats. Her business, Mae's Millinery Shop in downtown Philadelphia, was one of the first shops in the city to be owned by a woman of African American heritage.