Pale grey textured paper covered wood case with loose grey silk fabric interior lining (a) containing a Star-Rite violet ray generator electric vibrator; within case is an attached fabric wrapped electrical cord connected to a vulcanized rubber cylinder; manufacturer's metal label is screwed to box…
Pale grey textured paper covered wood case with loose grey silk fabric interior lining (a) containing a Star-Rite violet ray generator electric vibrator; within case is an attached fabric wrapped electrical cord connected to a vulcanized rubber cylinder; manufacturer's metal label is screwed to box; two glass electrode applicators, bulb-shaped (b), y-shaped (c); hollow metal open-ended tube (d), letter-size paper instruction sheet (e) and three page paper booklet describing how to clean electrodes, use device, and common questions and answers (f).
Number Of Parts
6
Part Names
a - case - Size: Length 34.2 cm x Width 22.8 cm x Depth 9.9 cm
b - bulb electrode - Size: Length 14.4 cm x Width 5.7 cm x Depth 5.5 cm
c - y-shaped electrode - Size: Length 13.7 cm x Width 7.7 cm x Depth 1.4 cm
d - metal tube - Size: Length 14.7 cm x Diam 1.6 cm
e - instruction sheet - Size: Length 27.8 cm x Width 21.0 cm
f - booklet - Size: Length 15.3 cm x Width 9.0 cm
Provenance
Donated by Dean Barry Smith, Faculty of Medicine, Queen's University
Etched on manufacturer's label on case (a): "MANUFACTURED BY // THE FITZGERALD MFG Co. // TORRINGTON CONN., USA // VOLTS 110 WATTS 28 No. 58283"; printed on instruction sheet (e): "How to Use the STAR-Rite Electric Vibrator // Form No.26-10 10m 1-4-28; printed on booklet (f): "Violet Rays // HOW TO CONNECT // STAR-Rite VIOLET RAYS // QUESTION AND ANSWER // CHART // STAR-Rite // Curlers Heaters Violet Rays Wavers Pads Waffle Iron Hair Dryers Vibrators Toasters"
Permanent Location
a-d - Storage Room 0007
0007-L1-4
e-f - Storage Room 2005
2005-2-5 Box 19
Condition Remarks
Case: Box edges show wear along edges, stain on top; interior fabric in excellent condition, minor fading in one area; paper: edges show wear along edges, minor tears, folds; yellowed with minor staining; (e) taped together with yellowed adhesive cellophane tape; Electrical cord: severely folded, no fraying or fading;
Copy Type
Original
Reference Types
Internet
Document
JPG
Reference Comments
Company History and Historical Facts concerning Makers of Electrical Fans by Barry Hudson. 10 May 2010. http://www.hudsoncustommachining.com/Funfacts.doc; CD #2
Research Facts
Gift from Mrs. Eileen MacDougall of Kingston Ontario. Information from printed instruction sheet (e): "Vibratory massage can be used with most satisfactory results in the treatment of diseases and ailments due directly or indirectly to conditions in the blood or nervous system. In applying the vibrator to the face and head, always work upward from the jaw never a downward movement. Under chin from ear to ear. On forehead, commence at center and work to the right or left but never make the whole movement from one side to the other. On neck, work downward." Accompanying a line drawing of the body with indication of which applicator to use and the length of time at each designated spot on the body. List of a few ailments and diseases: neuralgia, rheumatism, nervousness, indigestion, constipation, headache, insomnia, obesity, complexion, double chin, wrinkles, crow's feet, hair and scalp, development of chest, reducing hips, and sore muscles. From information booklet (f) in the question and answer chart: "What is a Star-Rite Violet Ray machine? It is a machine made possible by the discovery of the Tesla Coil that breaks up electric current into a mist of elecricity - just as a stream of water is sprayed through an atomizer into a mist. Why are they called violet rays? When the stream of electrical force is directed into the vacuum tube electrode, the glass and the tube act as a resistance. This spray or mist of electricity has a violet color." The Fitzgerald Mfg Co was founded by Patrick J. Fitzgerald in 1906 to manufacture automobile parts and accessories, with gaskets being the main focus. In 1918 the company expanded to manufacture small electrical fans, heaters, hair dryers, kitchen appliances, medical devices and a variety of other appliances. The compnay closed in 1975 and sold in 1978 to Tannetics co. of Erie, PA. Then Tannetics purchased in 1983 by Harrow Harlow; sold again in 1986 to Badger Cork & Mfg Co. in Wisconsin.
Exhibit History
On display in the Friend - Vandewater Gallery in Botterell Hall removed January 27, 2010