ATSF retirement certificate

Date1978

Mediumpaper

Dimensions12 1/4 × 13 1/8 × 3/4 in. (31.1 × 33.3 × 1.9 cm)

ClassificationsCommunication Objects

Credit LineAlbuquerque Museum, gift of Raymond Hetzel

Object numberPC2009.34.2

DescriptionThis retirement certificate originates from the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway Company (AT & SF RY). Founded in 1859 by Cyrus K. Holliday (1826-1900) and popularized during the late nineteenth century, the railroad company contributed to the westward expansion and forward-moving regional progress, ultimately playing a significant role in the restructuring of transportation networks, shaping the Southwestern cultural identity. The certificate illustrates the AT & SF RY symbol on the upper center, reading "Santa Fe" inside of a cross enveloped by a circle with leaves framing its exterior. On either side of the logo sit two line illustrations of trains, mountains, and clouds, likely representing the railroad's connection to the Southwest region. "Certificate of Honor" is written overhead in Gothic calligraphy lettering, while "Presented to / Raymond P. Hetzel" is read below. Serving as a blacksmith for the AT & SF RY, Hetzel played a significant role in the growing industrialization of operations on the railroad through his over three decades of dedication to the company. The certificate acknowledges Hetzel's years of service, while also including the signatures of the then chairman and president, followed by the date "June 23rd, 1978" on the bottom portion. Proving to be a crucial element to the functioning of the railroad, blacksmith work like Hetzel's allowed for the continued re-forging, welding, and maintenance of the railroad's infrastructure throughout the twentieth century.

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