Plastic Construction Hard Hat

Mediumplastic

Dimensions6 3/4 × 9 × 11 1/2 in. (17.1 × 22.9 × 29.2 cm)

ClassificationsClothing, Costume, & Accessories

Credit LineAlbuquerque Museum, gift of Raymond Hetzel

Object numberPC2009.34.7

DescriptionThis plastic construction hard hat or helmet encompasses a largely yellow surface, but reveals many green spots, possibly indicating the re-painting of the helmet. The front of the helmet includes the logo for 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. Sitting just above it reads "R. P. Hetzel" in semi-obscured, capital lettering, referring to its wearer, Raymond P. Hetzel, a dedicated blacksmith to the railroad company for over three decades, serving as a crucial element to the continued functionality of the railroad through re-forging, welding, and other repairs to the infrastructure. The helmet encompasses a rounded top surface, while the bottom edges are slightly curved in, creating a small visor-like portion in the front. One side of the helmet includes two circle-shaped stickers, with one reading "Safety / Mar. / Award" in black lettering, and the other reading "Safety / May / Award" in blue lettering, sitting adjacent. The interior of the helmet includes a head harness depicted by a circular portion, mirroring the rounded form, and two criss-crossing elements, forming an "X"-shaped portion in the center. A small brown string is woven between the intersecting sections, along with what appears to be an adjustable strap in the back.

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