Images(4)

Hat

Object number2007.178.44

MediumVinyl; plastic; metal; elastic; paper; ink

Credit LineGift of Joe Davis

DescriptionBeige hat with black visor. Metal eyelets around outside, painted white. Inside brow lined with leather. Clear plastic window attached to inside; attached under plastic is white rectangular union tag with black print. Dimensions5 x 11 x 11.5 in. (12.7 x 27.9 x 29.2 cm)
MarksClear plastic window attached to inside; attached under plastic is white rectangular tag with black print: "M / R / 882862 / [circular seal, in arc] UNION MADE / UNITED HATTERS CAP MILLINERY WKRS / INT, UNION".
Historical NotesArnold Herbert Smith was a Pittsburgh police officer before spending twelve years with the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Police Force, with which this hat is most likely connected. Arnold Herbert Smith, Sr., was born on October 11, 1923, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Schenley High School in 1942, and quickly enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving in the Pacific Theater. Three years later he married Mattie Lesesne; four children were born to this marriage. Years after his divorce to Mattie, he married Estella Pennington, with whom he had one son. Smith worked as a steelworker before joining the Pittsburgh Police Force in 1974; he eventually worked for the Housing Authority before retiring in 1986. Smith was also active in organizations, being a 32nd Degree Mason, a Shriner, and a member of both the Veterans of Foreign Affairs and the Fraternal Order of Police. He died September 19, 1999.

Previous owner Arnold Herbert Smith Sr. (1923 - 1999)

Related institution Pittsburgh Bureau of Police

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