Images(2)

Pants

Object number2012.6.32

Datec. 1980

Mediumcotton; plastic; metal

Credit LineGift of Jonnie Guerra

DescriptionBlue twill, heavy-weight uniform pants. Two side pockets, two back pockets, one button on proper left back pocket. Metal zipper fly, with one outer button and one inner button.Dimensions39 x 20 in. (99.1 x 50.8 cm)
InscriptionsHandwritten in black inside proper right fly: "TURK".
Historical NotesCorrectional officer uniform pants 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

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