Hat
Object number2012.6.35
Date1951-1983
Mediumcotton; plastic; metal
Credit LineGift of Jonnie Guerra
DescriptionUniform hat. Green felt on top with black shiny pleather visor; band of same material above visor. Emblem attached to front center: image of a globe with an eagle perched on top; anchor seemingly placed diagonally through globe. Two black grommets on each side. Brown leather inner lining band around head.Dimensions4 x 10.625 x 11 in. (10.2 x 27 x 27.9 cm)Historical NotesCorrectional officer uniform hat worn by Eugene Guerra while working at Western State Penitentiary. Eugene "Turk" Guerra was employed as at guard at Western State Penitentiary from April 1, 1951 to November 30th, 1983. Eugene John “Turk” Guerra was born on November 4, 1921 to Frank and Annarose Guerra. In July 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he worked as a patrolman in the Caribbean area. Several years after being discharged from the military in 1945, he married Helen Pollock on November 6, 1948. He went on to work as a corrections officer at the Western Pennsylvania State Penitentiary from 1951 until 1983. He was promoted to sergeant in 1961 and received a letter of commendation in 1982. After his retirement from the facility, a street in the prison yard was named “Turk’s Alley” in his honor. Guerra died on October 26, 2001.
Related institution
Western Penitentiary
Previous owner
Eugene Guerra
On View
Not on view
1900-1910
1966-1970
The C.E. Ward Company
