WWII Overseas Pillow Tops
and Souvenir Pillows with Names of Foreign Countries
by Patricia Cummings and others
Some of the World War II vintage souvenir pillow shams sent home by GIs have the names of other countries on them. One such item has the words, "Souvenir of France" across its middle, and also says, "In Memory of My Service in France with the U.S. Army - With the Ship That Brought me Home - USS Plattsburg. This pillow measures 19" x 20 1/4" and had a piece of cloth sewn to the top fringe that features the name, "A. Dannaker."
Pillow from the Dannaker family. photo courtesy of eBay seller mrbud715.
WWII U.S. Army - Souvenir of Panama Pillow Cover
A very beautiful pillow top that has a banner with the words, "Souvenir of Panama," Previously, it had belonged to one of two brothers who both served in WWII. The pillow top features printed scenes of Panama, each of which is identified. Depicted are various landmark sites in Panama. No photo available.
Vietnam Era Pillow Tops
Several people have mentioned that Pillow Tops were marketed on military bases during the Vietnam War. One man sent one to his wife from Fort Knox, KY. A woman received one from her sweetheart. It would be interesting to find out if there are any tops marked with the word "Vietnam."
My research into this entire topic has really just begun. There are many more questions for which I seek answers. In the meantime, I hope that you are enjoying the ongoing additions to this large file. Please feel free to write to me with any stories or images you care to share. Thanks. pat@quiltersmuse.com
©Copyright 2007. Patricia Cummings, Quilter's Muse Publications, Concord, NH. All Rights Reserved. e-mail: pat@quiltersmuse.com