From the Collection….Eugene’s Umbrella
A host of treasures sits at the Field House Museum. The museum’s collection includes a large selection of items that once belonged to the Field family. One of the artifacts from the collection that is currently on display is an umbrella that belonged to Eugene Field. This Field family item is unique not only in its design, but also in the stories connected to it. Used by both Eugene and Julia, this umbrella connects visitors to the Field’s lives together in Chicago, and Julia’s life after Eugene’s passing.
At one end, it seems to be an average black umbrella, but the handle is designed to look like that of a sword. Eugene’s eclectic taste is reflected in the elaborate sterling silver design, and it is easy to imagine him using this umbrella on dreary days in Chicago. Although the origins of the umbrella are unknown to the museum, the piece features engravings on the handle of the umbrella which reads “Eugene Field” and “Chicago”. Eugene and Julia moved to Chicago in 1883 when Eugene started working at the Chicago Daily News. It was there that they made their home together until Eugene died in his sleep in 1895. After his passing, Julia continued to use the umbrella that had faithfully kept her husband dry.
In 1904, the World’s Fair came to St. Louis, and so did Julia Field with the umbrella. This extravagant event covered the more than 1,200 acres where Forest Park is today. Millions of people attended, and continued to talk about the event for years after it had concluded. When the umbrella was donated to the museum it came with a note from Eugene and Julia’s daughter Ruth:
“John Field Foster-
A loan to his Great Grandfather’s birthplace in St. Louis. This umbrella was carried by Father while he lived in Chicago. Mother carried it until she broke the sterling silver end handle while attending the St. Louis World’s Fair 1904. I was a child of 10 yrs. and was with Mother at the Fair.
June 1958. Ruth Field Foster.”
It is a shame that Eugene could not have attended the World’s Fair with his wife and children. However, Julia’s attendance is evidence of her standing in society even after her husband’s passing. Julia received several invitations to attend the fair and participated as a juror with the International Jury of Awards in the Art Workmanship category. For her participation, Julia received a set of bohemian ruby wine glasses and decanters made in Czechoslovakia that can also be seen within the historic house. How she broke the handle of the umbrella is probably a fascinating story, but one the museum may never know. After the umbrella was broken, it was soldered back to the base and today is one of the museums treasured artifacts.