Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
The iconic red and black check Mackinaw jacket’s origins are steeped in history. The jacket takes its name from Mackinac Island in Lake Huron, the location of a historic fort associated with the jacket's original design. Mackinaw and Mackinac are Anglo-French pronunciations of the Anishinaabe word Mishimikinaak.
Initially double-breasted in design, later interpretations of the Mackinaw jacket include single-breasted or center zip closures, as seen here. Exterior flap pockets are also a hallmark. This mid-20th century incarnation was interlined in Sun Spun, a fiberglass fabric meant to maintain warmth while reducing the jacket’s weight. Made by Milwaukee-based label Albert Richard’s "Action Fit," the jacket is associated with Richard W. Siver of Kennebunk.
About This Item
- Title: Richard Siver's Mackinaw jacket, Kennebunk, ca. 1950
- Creator: Action Fit Sportswear
- Creation Date: circa 1950
- Subject Date: circa 1950
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Locations:
- Kennebunk, York County, ME
- Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, WI
- Media: wool, metal, fiberglass, plastic, viscose
- Local Code: 1997.235.1
- Collection: Costume collection
- Object Type: Physical Object
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For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. No Permission is required to use the low-resolution watermarked image for educational use, or as allowed by the applicable copyright. For all other uses, permission is required.
More to Consider
Item 111793
Mackinaw hat with earflaps, Kennebunk, ca. 1950
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