Miner’s Cap

This canvas mining cap has a red plastic brim with a metal and cardboard lamp bracket. There is a handwritten inscription on the top of the hat that reads: Harrisburg, Pa. / January 17, 1939 / Inaguration oF / Aurthur H. James. Underneath that inscription is a variety of handwritten names: John / Ethel / Frank / Tessie / Francess / Emily. The sides of the cap have the words “JAMES/LUZERNE COUNTY” in large printed letters. A red and white sticker on the lamp bracket reads “JOHN / GAVENONIS / 127 / PIERCE ST. / PLY. PA.” The signatures on this mining cap speak to the personal connections miner’s had with their cap. A miner chose their headgear, and took it with them to work where it was worn all day and used for decades.

Currently not on view