A restored piece of history from a woman who forged her own path
“Tootsies” Steamer Trunk Restored
Gertrude Pusch Zipf Sitting in Chair in Yard with White Fence
You can see Gertrude’s beautifully restored steamer trunk at the Pusch House Museum. The trunk was donated to OVHS by Henry G. Zipf, Gertrude’s son.
The trunk belonged to Gertrude “Tootsie or Tutsie” Pusch, daughter of George and Mathilda Pusch. Tootsie never quite fit the expectations of women in the late 1800s and early 1900s. She was among the first female students at the University of Arizona, traveled widely according to correspondence in our collections, was an avid equestrian, could shoot a rifle, and even served as a postmaster.
Thanks to longtime volunteer and supporter Joe Frannea, who painstakingly restored the trunk. Joe reattached the domed lid, fabricated new strapping, handles, and hardware, and uncovered a beautifully embossed design on the trunk’s top and body—hidden for decades while it was in storage.
Gertrude’s niece shares stories in History with Barbara McIntyre.