[Family Picture]

(from left) Melania and Bonifacy Obst (1977 photo)

... [Family Picture]

(from left) Bonifacy Obst, daughter Ursula, son Peter J. (2004 photo)

Bonifacy, Obst tailor, costumer

Born 1921, in Brodki, Poland, received training as a tailor and, after WWII ended, earned the diploma of Master Tailor. Emigrated to the United States in 1963. Worked at Van Horn Costume Co. in Philadelphia, then at Brooks Van Horn when the company merged with that New York-based costume manufacturer. Had a series of interesting assignments that included costuming for television advertising, Broadway and off-Broadway shows, and the Barnum and Bailey Circus. Film costume assignments included "The Godfather" which was filmed on location in New York City. For several years Brooks Van Horn provided costumes for the weekly TV show "Saturday Night Live." After the Sale of Brooks Van Horn he worked for Pierre's Costumes on Walnut Street in Philadelphia opposite the Forrest Theater. After retiring continued to assist Arthur Gerold, his former employer, and the dinner theater started by Gerold's wife and children. He also made liturgical robes for many Catholic priests in area. He is a member of the Polski Uniwersytet Ludowy (Polish Peoples' University) a lecture group based at the Associated Polish Home in Philadelphia.

Extended Family:

Jan Obst [Arrow Picture]
(Bonifacy Obst's uncle), an officer and victim of the Katyn Massacre.

Anna Obst [Arrow Picture]
Left Poland at outbreak of WWII, later brought Obst Family to America

Ursula Obst [Arrow Picture]
Newspaper reporter, writer and book editor

From: resume

[Robes Picture]

Bonifacy Obst sewed the liturgical robes for the 100th Anniversary Celebration at Sacred Heart of Jesus parish in Swedsburg, PA.