Badge, Identification
Badge, Identification
Badge, Identification

Badge, Identification

Object number2017.112.1
Manufacturer
OriginChicago, IL
MediumMetal; Photographic paper; Celluloid
Credit LineGift of Carolyn Cecil
DescriptionEmployee identification badge.DimensionsDiameter x Depth: 1.75 × 0.5 in. (4.4 × 1.3 cm)
InscriptionsFront of badge has raised text around perimeter "UNION SWITCH & SIGNAL CO. / SWISSVALE, PA."

Bottom of photograph has photographed text "805-1".
MarksEngraved text on reverse at top center "THE / C.H. HANSON / -CO- / CHICAGO".
Historical NotesUnion Switch and Signal Company employee identification badge belonging to Ellsworth Tonkin. Ellsworth Tonkin was a native of Cherry Tree, Pennsylvania. Having left school as a youth to support his family, Tonkin pursued additional training and education in mechanical engineering as an adult. Following successive roles at Westinghouse Air Brake Company and Union Switch & Signal, Tonkin served as Superintendent of Production in Union Switch and Signal’s Forge Division until his death in 1944. His widow, Ada Quick Tonkin, later resided with her father, John H. Quick, who retired as a machinist at Westinghouse Electric Company’s East Pittsburgh plant. Quick was widely noted in local papers as the company’s longest-drawing pensioner.
Previous owner (died 1944)
Related institution (1881 - 2009)
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