Work

Gilbreth Stopwatch

The tools, rules, and relationships of the workplace illustrate some of the enduring collaborations and conflicts in the everyday life of the nation. The Museum has more than 5,000 traditional American tools, chests, and simple machines for working wood, stone, metal, and leather. Materials on welding, riveting, and iron and steel construction tell a more industrial version of the story. Computers, industrial robots, and other artifacts represent work in the Information Age.

But work is more than just tools. The collections include a factory gate, the motion-study photographs of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, and more than 3,000 work incentive posters. The rise of the factory system is measured, in part, by time clocks in the collections. More than 9,000 items bring in the story of labor unions, strikes, and demonstrations over trade and economic issues.

Date: 2000s

Helmet Frontpiece, "Bergen"

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This black leather frontpiece was made in the 20th century. The frontpiece reads “BERGEN/6/TKH” in white. There is a crossed hook and ladder behind this, indicating it was a hook and ladder company. The letters "TKH" at the bottom of the frontpiece are likely the owner's initials.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1423
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1423

El Premio Ohtli Award, Mexican

Emilio Nicolas, Sr. received this award in 2007 from the government of Mexico for sharing Mexican culture in the United States.
Description
Emilio Nicolas, Sr. received this award in 2007 from the government of Mexico for sharing Mexican culture in the United States. Among the many awards he received over the course of his career, this one demonstrated his commitment to sharing Mexican culture in the United States through television. The medal uses the symbol of a traveler to honor the spread of Mexican arts and culture. Nicolas, Sr. played an instrumental role in building the earliest Spanish language television network in the United States, the Spanish International Network or SIN.
In the 1950s, consumers made television the centerpiece of the home, fueling competition among broadcasters to create new products, new programming, new stations, and even new networks. Innovators, such as those behind the creation of independent Spanish-language stations and eventually the Spanish International Network (SIN), challenged established broadcasting companies by creating new programming in Spanish and catering to underserved audiences. Established in the early 1960s, SIN knit together independents and created new stations to serve a national audience. With a complex business and legal history, SIN eventually became Univision in the 1980s. In the decades after 1980, Spanish-language programing options grew with recognition of Latinx communities as powerful consumer groups and the advent of new broadcasting technologies such as cable and digital TV.
Description (Spanish)
El Sr. Emilio Nicolas recibió este premio en 2007 por parte del gobierno de México por difundir la cultura mexicana en los Estados Unidos. Entre los muchos premios que recibió a lo largo de su carrera, este representa su compromiso con el desarrollo de la cultura mexicana en los Estados Unidos a través de la televisión. La medalla incorpora el símbolo de un viajero azteca para honrar la difusión de las artes y la cultura mexicanas en el exterior. El Sr. Nicolas desempeñó un papel fundamental en la creación de la primera cadena de televisión en español en los Estados Unidos, el Spanish International Network o SIN.
En la década de 1950, los consumidores hicieron de la televisión un componente central de sus hogares, fomentando la competencia entre las difusoras para crear nuevos productos, nueva programación, nuevas estaciones, e incluso nuevas redes. Los innovadores, como los creadores de los canales independientes de habla hispana y el Spanish International Network (SIN), desafiaron a las emisoras establecidas creando nuevos programas en español centradas en audiencias históricamente ignoradas. Establecido a principios de los sesenta, SIN unió a difusoras independentes y creó nuevas estaciones para responder a una audiencia nacional. Tras una compleja trayectoria empresarial y legal, SIN se convertiría en Univisión en la década de 1980. Durante las próximas décadas, las opciones de programación en español crecieron gracias al reconocimiento de la comunidad Latinx, como poderoso grupo de consumidores, y a la introducción de nuevas tecnologías de difusión, como el cable y la televisión digital.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2007
maker
United Mexican States
ID Number
2017.0213.02
catalog number
2017.0213.02
accession number
2017.0213

Fire Badge "C.F.D. 1"

This shield-shaped metal badge is inscribed “C.F.D. /1” with the number “125” in a plaque at the top of the badge.
Description
This shield-shaped metal badge is inscribed “C.F.D. /1” with the number “125” in a plaque at the top of the badge. The badge is decorated with an image of a hook and ladder fire truck.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th or early 20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1281
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1281

Fire Badge "Bachman Hose Dracut"

This round metal fire badge would have belonged to a member of the Bachman Hose Company of Dracut, Massachusetts.
Description
This round metal fire badge would have belonged to a member of the Bachman Hose Company of Dracut, Massachusetts. The badge has a spread–winged eagle at its top, and the rim of the badge is inscribed “BACHMAN HOSE/DRACUT.” The center of the badge is decorated with an image of a four–wheeled hose carriage. The company disbanded in 1899, so the badge would have been made prior to that date.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1283
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1283

Fire Badge "Philadelphia Reserve Fire Force 146"

Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes.
Description
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This cross-shaped white metal fire badge belonged to a member of the Reserve Fire Force of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania which was established in 1953 and was active until circa 1980. Members of the Reserve Fire Force were unpaid volunteers trained by regular members of the Fire Department to fight fires in times of emergency. The circular center of the badge bears the inscription “RESERVE FIRE FORCE / PHILA.” around the rim with the number “146” in the center, all filled in with black enamel. The size of the badge likely means it was worn on the cap, rather than the chest.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1386
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1386

Fire Badge "W.H.F.D. 81"

The rim of this circular metal fire badge is made to resemble a riveted fire hose. A circular plaque at the top of the badge is inscribed with the badge number “61.” The badge has the raised initials “W.H.F.D.” above a raised number “3” in the center of the badge.
Description
The rim of this circular metal fire badge is made to resemble a riveted fire hose. A circular plaque at the top of the badge is inscribed with the badge number “61.” The badge has the raised initials “W.H.F.D.” above a raised number “3” in the center of the badge. The bottom of the badge bears an image of a four wheeled hose carriage in raised faded metal.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1368
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1368

Jazz Clarinet

Few aspects of the harm done to New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 are more poignant than the losses suffered by the musical community. The New Orleans jazz scene was especially vulnerable, since many jazz performers lived in areas inundated by the flood waters.
Description
Few aspects of the harm done to New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 are more poignant than the losses suffered by the musical community. The New Orleans jazz scene was especially vulnerable, since many jazz performers lived in areas inundated by the flood waters. One such performer was Dr. Michael White.
White's house on Pratt Drive filled with eight feet of water when the London Avenue Canal levee failed behind his neighborhood. That water sat for several weeks before pumps could drain the area, destroying White's furniture, his rooms, his priceless collection of jazz sheet music, his recordings, and a lifetime's collection of jazz clarinets. Over sixty rare wood and metal clarinets, some from the 19th century, were lost. One of them, this 1930s marching band clarinet from Elkhart, Indiana, found its way from White's devastated house to the Smithsonian to acknowledge the hit taken by the New Orleans musical community but also the resilience of this community in the face of setbacks and hardship. Katrina has given new meaning to the blues. The struggle to overcome this loss adds a powerful chapter to this city's storied record of musical achievement.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1930s
Associated Date
August - September 2005
referenced
White, Michael
ID Number
2006.0062.01
catalog number
2006.0062.01
accession number
2006.0062

Dial Soap bar, 1990s

This bar of soap was sold at the El Monte company store. Shop operators forced workers to buy food and personal items from them at inflated prices.
Description
This bar of soap was sold at the El Monte company store. Shop operators forced workers to buy food and personal items from them at inflated prices. The soap was seized during a well-publicized 1995 sweatshop raid and is part of a larger Smithsonian collection of artifacts documenting apparel industry sweatshops, focusing on the El Monte operation.
On August 2, 1995, police officers raided a fenced seven-unit apartment complex in El Monte, California. They arrested eight operators of a clandestine garment sweatshop and freed 72 workers who were being forced to sew garments in virtual captivity. Smuggled from Thailand into the United States, the laborers’ plight brought a national spotlight to domestic sweatshop production and resulted in increased enforcement by federal and state labor agencies. The publicity of the El Monte raid also put added pressure on the apparel industry to reform its labor and business practices domestically and internationally.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
Late 20th Century
1990s
ID Number
1997.0268.19
accession number
1997.0268
catalog number
1997.0268.19

Ship Model, Catcher-Processor Alaska Ocean

This scale model of the fishing vessel Alaska Ocean was custom-built for the Smithsonian by Erik A. R. Ronnberg Jr., at his shop in Rockport, Massachusetts.
Description
This scale model of the fishing vessel Alaska Ocean was custom-built for the Smithsonian by Erik A. R. Ronnberg Jr., at his shop in Rockport, Massachusetts. The starboard hull is cut away to reveal the factory where workers process tons of fish into blocks of frozen fillets, minced fish, and surimi (used in making imitation crab meat and other food products). The cutaway also shows the laboratory where fish products are tested, the freezer hold, a stateroom, and the galley. On the weather (top) deck, the model features all of the deck machinery, the trawling equipment, and the vessel’s rigging. A net full of fish is shown being emptied into one of the bins on the factory floor below.
Ronnberg spent about 27 months building the model, and estimates he spent 5,500 hours getting every detail right. While he built the wooden hull according to design drawings provided by naval architect Guido Perla of Seattle, he had to make his own drawings and patterns to craft the machinery and equipment, most of which are cast in metal. Ronnberg used cheesecloth and tulle to make the net and spent untold hours fashioning the chafing gear out of acrylic yarn, which he knotted in bunches before separating the strands by hand.
He studied photographs and films of the actual vessel at sea, and made detailed figures of people dressed in appropriate working gear in the factory, on the deck, in the fish hold, in the galley, and on the bridge. The model is populated with 125 figures, 1,200 individual fish, and several masses of fish in the cod end of the net. Everything on the model is painted by hand. The scale is 3/16th inch = 1 foot.
The Alaska Ocean itself is a 376-foot-long vessel in the Seattle-based catcher-processor fleet. Workers catch, process, package, and freeze groundfish—mostly pollock and Pacific whiting—in the Bering Sea and in the waters off the coast of the Pacific Northwest. The vessel can harvest about 325 metric tons of fish per day and can freeze over 250,000 pounds of fish product daily.
The idea to build the Alaska Ocean began in the late 1980s. Jeff Hendricks, a fisherman from Anacortes, Washington, who owned and operated a fleet of boats in partnership with a Japanese company, decided to “Americanize” his operations. This was in advance of the American Fisheries Act of 1998, which sought to increase American ownership in the fleet by requiring that vessels be American-built, owned, and operated. Although Hendricks sought bids from several American shipyards for his new venture, there were none at the time that could handle the scope of the vessel he envisioned. Eventually, he worked with a shipbuilder in Norway to expand and rebuild an American oil supply vessel. The Alaska Ocean arrived in Anacortes in the summer of 1990 and began fishing that fall with a largely local crew. It remains in the fleet and, as of 2008, is owned and operated by Glacier Fish Company.
Because catcher-processors are so efficient, their operations are highly regulated to prevent overfishing. A harvest quota is determined by the National Marine Fisheries Service and members of the Pollock Conservation Cooperative, a group of catcher-processors including the Alaska Ocean, divide up the quota amongst themselves. This self-regulating measure ends what is often called the "race for fish," and results in more careful, less wasteful fishing.
Independent scientific observers also travel aboard every vessel in the fleet, monitoring the trawling and empyting operations. They record all by-catch, the term for fish caught in the net other than the target species. There are hard limits on allowable by-catch for certain species, and because the data are computed, reported, and shared for the fleet as a whole, individual vessels are motivated to monitor the by-catch and make adjustments.
date made
2009
ID Number
2009.0080.01
accession number
2009.0080
catalog number
2009.0080.01

Alaska Ocean Coveralls

Fish processors, laboratory staff, inspectors, supervisors, and others who work in the factory aboard the Alaska Ocean wear royal blue coveralls like these when on duty. These polyester coveralls are worn over other clothing to maintain standards of hygiene in the factory.
Description
Fish processors, laboratory staff, inspectors, supervisors, and others who work in the factory aboard the Alaska Ocean wear royal blue coveralls like these when on duty. These polyester coveralls are worn over other clothing to maintain standards of hygiene in the factory. Some processors change their coveralls several times during their daily 12-hour shift, which can extend to kicker shifts of an additional three hours. Because clean coveralls are always in demand, the factory’s laundry crew keeps the industrial washers and dryers running continuously. The coveralls, with the words Alaska Ocean emblazoned across the back, zip up the front and are typically worn tucked into boots.
date made
2006
Associated Date
2007
used
McFarland, Thelma
maker
Fristads
ID Number
2007.0178.20
catalog number
2007.0178.20
accession number
2007.0178

Fire Badge "Inspector Fire Insurance"

This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to an inspector of a Pennsylvania-based fire insurance company.
Description
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to an inspector of a Pennsylvania-based fire insurance company. The inspector was responsible for examining buildings and making sure they met the insurance company’s standards, as well as inspecting the post-fire damage.
The rim of the badge is inscribed “FIRE/INSURANCE INSPECTOR,” filled in with black enamel. The center of the circular badge bears the Pennsylvania state coat-of-arms, with a shield depicting a ship under sail above, a plow in the middle, and three sheaves of grain below. The shield is crested at the top by an eagle and supported by two horses. A banner below bears the state motto “LIBERTY/INDEPENDENCE/VIRTUE.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1384
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1384

Fisherman’s Boots

Deck hands working aboard most commercial fishing vessels require protective clothing from head to toe. Non-slip, waterproof footwear is essential, and on the Alaska Ocean factory trawler, the deck hands, as well as the people who work in the factory, wear “Xtratuf” boots.
Description
Deck hands working aboard most commercial fishing vessels require protective clothing from head to toe. Non-slip, waterproof footwear is essential, and on the Alaska Ocean factory trawler, the deck hands, as well as the people who work in the factory, wear “Xtratuf” boots. Manufactured in the United States, these neoprene boots are made for “severe fishing, farm, and work conditions.” This pair was worn by a deck hand aboard the Alaska Ocean in summer of 2007.
date made
2007
2006-2007
Associated Date
2007
maker
Norcross Safety Products, L. L. C.
ID Number
2007.0178.01
accession number
2007.0178
catalog number
2007.0178

Fire Helmet, "Washington Hose Company No. 1"

The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T.
Description
The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T. Gratacap, a New York City luggage maker by trade, is often credited as the developer of this style of fire helmet. Gratacap created a specially treated leather helmet with a segmented “comb” design that led to unparalleled durability and strength. The elongated rear brim (also known as a duckbill or beavertail) and frontpiece were 19th century innovations that remain the most identifiable feature of firefighter’s helmets. The body of the helmet was primarily designed to deflect falling debris, the rear brim prevented water from running down firefighters’ backs, and their sturdy crowns could aid, if necessary, in breaking windows.
This black leather fire dates to the late 19th century. The helmet has eight combs, with decorative triangles in between the segments and ivy-vine scrollwork around the hat’s brim. The metal eagle’s head frontpiece holder is mounted onto the crown of the helmet, with a thin metal frontpiece that reads “WASHINGTON/1/HOSE.” The frontpiece has a stamped rope border, and the center number “1” is surrounded by a hose.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0197
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0197

Spool, 1990s

Workers in the El Monte sweatshop used this spool of white thread with the Juki industrial sewing machine seen in object 1996.0292.29a.
Description
Workers in the El Monte sweatshop used this spool of white thread with the Juki industrial sewing machine seen in object 1996.0292.29a. The spool was seized during a well-publicized 1995 sweatshop raid and is part of a larger Smithsonian collection of artifacts documenting apparel industry sweatshops, focusing on the El Monte operation.
On August 2, 1995, police officers raided a fenced seven-unit apartment complex in El Monte, California. They arrested eight operators of a clandestine garment sweatshop and freed 72 workers who were being forced to sew garments in virtual captivity. Smuggled from Thailand into the United States, the laborers’ plight brought a national spotlight to domestic sweatshop production and resulted in increased enforcement by federal and state labor agencies. The publicity of the El Monte raid also put added pressure on the apparel industry to reform its labor and business practices domestically and internationally.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
Late 20th Century
1990s
ID Number
1996.0292.04
accession number
1996.0292
catalog number
1996.0292.04

Fire Badge "Greenbush Fire Department"

This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the Greenbush Fire Department. Greenbush likely refers to either the New York town now known as Blauvelt, or the town of Greenbush, New York that divided into North and East Greenbush in 1855.
Description
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the Greenbush Fire Department. Greenbush likely refers to either the New York town now known as Blauvelt, or the town of Greenbush, New York that divided into North and East Greenbush in 1855. The badge’s rim is designed to look like a riveted fire hose, with the ends of the hose intertwining at the top of the badge. Stylized flames leap from the bottom of the badge. An upper banner reads “GREENBUSH” in raised letters and the bottom banner reads “FIRE DEPARTMENT.” The badge is decorated with a crossed trumpet and fire hose nozzle behind a fire helmet. The center of the badge, where a badge number would usually be located is empty, meaning this badge may never have been worn by an active member of the Fire Department.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1372
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1372

Factory Processor’s Boots

These non-slip, waterproof boots were worn by Thelma McFarland, a fish processor working aboard the Alaska Ocean factory trawler in the summer of 2007.
Description
These non-slip, waterproof boots were worn by Thelma McFarland, a fish processor working aboard the Alaska Ocean factory trawler in the summer of 2007. Manufactured in the USA, these “Xtratuf” boots are made of neoprene, a synthetic rubber.
Processors work 12-hour shifts and, if the factory is busy, they may work an additional 3 hours, called a kicker shift. For most of this time, the workers are on their feet, standing at processing tables or conveyor belts, or walking from one station to another on grated walkways. These walkways, like the areas around the equipment where processors stand to work, are raised above the floor, allowing the water used in factory operations to run beneath the workers’ feet. Despite being elevated above any water flow, it is still essential for workers to wear non-slip, waterproof boots to keep their feet warm and dry.
These boots are identical to those worn by deck hands. Most of the specialized clothing worn by workers and crew aboard the Alaska Ocean is provided by the company. Boots, however, are purchased by individuals, and are available in the on-board store. Felt insoles for the boots are available in the laundry and are washed frequently by laundry staff.
date made
2007
used
2007
used
McFarland, Thelma
maker
Norcross Safety Products, L. L. C.
ID Number
2007.0178.17
catalog number
2007.0178.17
accession number
2007.0178

Administrator Labor Commissioner ID Badge, United States, Late 20th Century

This badge belonged to Administrator Labor Commissioner Joe Razo. The gold badge is set in a leather wallet and depicts the seal of California and says "Administrator Labor Commissioner" with blue lettering.
Description
This badge belonged to Administrator Labor Commissioner Joe Razo. The gold badge is set in a leather wallet and depicts the seal of California and says "Administrator Labor Commissioner" with blue lettering. Joe Razo who was hired in 1978 and helped form the Concentrated Enforcement Program. The Department of Industrial Relations is responsible for enforcing State labor laws such as minimum wage.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
Late 20th Century
ID Number
1997.3113.01
nonaccession number
1997.3113
catalog number
1997.3113.01

Fire Badge "Ramsey Fire Department 1"

This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the fire department of Ramsey, New Jersey. At the top of the badge are crossed trumpets behind a fire helmet. “RAMSEY" is inscribed in a banner at top of the badge with "FIRE" inscribed below.
Description
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the fire department of Ramsey, New Jersey. At the top of the badge are crossed trumpets behind a fire helmet. “RAMSEY" is inscribed in a banner at top of the badge with "FIRE" inscribed below. "DEPARTMENT" is inscribed in the banner at the bottom of the badge below the number "1."
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1276
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.023.1276

Fire Badge "West Hoboken Fire Department"

This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the fire department of West Hoboken, New Jersey. West Hoboken merged with Union Hill in 1925 to form Union City, so the badge would date prior to 1925.
Description
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the fire department of West Hoboken, New Jersey. West Hoboken merged with Union Hill in 1925 to form Union City, so the badge would date prior to 1925. At the top of the badge is a crossed trumpet and hose nozzle behind a fire helmet. “WEST HOBOKEN" is inscribed in a banner at top of the badge with "FIRE" inscribed below. "DEPARTMENT" is inscribed in the banner at the bottom of the badge below the silver number "9."
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th or early 20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1286
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1286

Cbs Telenoticias Press Badge

One (1) press badgeWhite badge with red accents and black writingPRENSA PRESS PRENSA PRESS / CBS TELENOTICIAS / No. 111024 / CBS TELENOTICIAS 2470 West 8th. Ave. Hialeah, Fl. 33010 USA / Lori Montenegro / July 2007 /Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
One (1) press badge
White badge with red accents and black writing
PRENSA PRESS PRENSA PRESS / CBS TELENOTICIAS / No. 111024 / CBS TELENOTICIAS 2470 West 8th. Ave. Hialeah, Fl. 33010 USA / Lori Montenegro / July 2007 /
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2007
ID Number
2022.0267.09
accession number
2022.0267
catalog number
2022.0267.09

Hurricane Clean-up Yard Sign

No sooner had Katrina departed New Orleans in August 2005 than waves of hurricane clean-up signs went up in neighborhoods hard-hit by the storm, offering house-gutting services, mold removal, drywall replacement, and even building removal.
Description
No sooner had Katrina departed New Orleans in August 2005 than waves of hurricane clean-up signs went up in neighborhoods hard-hit by the storm, offering house-gutting services, mold removal, drywall replacement, and even building removal. The work was hazardous, involving the mucking out of homes and the handling of mountains of demolition debris and sodden household belongings. Many homeowners undertook their own clean-up, but much was performed by immigrant laborers attracted to the region by the promise of hard work and good wages.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
2006
Associated Date
2006
maker
June, Eric
ID Number
2006.3067.01
catalog number
2006.3067.01
nonaccession number
2006.3067

Fisherman’s Sweatshirt

This heavyweight, extra-large hooded sweatshirt was worn by one of the deck hands working aboard the Alaska Ocean catcher-processer in 2007.
Description
This heavyweight, extra-large hooded sweatshirt was worn by one of the deck hands working aboard the Alaska Ocean catcher-processer in 2007. It features the logo of the Alaska Ship Supply store in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, a major commercial fishing port at the end of the Aleutian Chain. Although the Alaska Ocean’s home port is now Seattle (it was formerly Anacortes, Washington), Dutch Harbor serves as the vessel’s home base during the months it operates in the Bering Sea.
The 125-person crew of the Alaska Ocean is at sea for several weeks at a time, and they look forward to reaching Dutch Harbor where they unload the frozen fish products and resupply the ship. The captain and crew can take care of personal business while in port as well, and stores like Alaska Ship Supply cater to their needs by selling clothing, supplies, marine hardware, groceries, postage, and other items.
The Alaska Ocean is a 376-foot-long vessel in the Seattle-based catcher-processor fleet. Workers catch, process, package, and freeze groundfish—mostly pollock and Pacific whiting—in the Bering Sea and in the waters off the coast of the Pacific Northwest. The vessel can harvest about 325 metric tons of fish per day and can freeze over 250,000 pounds of fish product daily.
date made
ca 2007
maker
Alaska Ship Supply
ID Number
2007.0178.06
catalog number
2007.0178.06
accession number
2007.0178

Fire Badge "Philadelphia Reserve Fire Force"

Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes.
Description
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This gold-colored cross-shaped fire badge was used by a member of the Reserve Fire Force of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania which was established in 1953 and was active until circa 1980. Members of the Reserve Fire Force were unpaid volunteers trained by regular members of the Fire Department to fight fires in times of emergency. The circular center of the badge bears the inscription “RESERVE FIRE FORCE / PHILA.” around the rim with all filled in with black enamel. The center of the badge has four crossed speaking trumpets, which often denoted the rank of the wearer, commonly an assistant chief.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1387
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1387

Fisherman’s Knife

A good, sharp knife is an essential tool for fishermen working on the fish deck of a catcher-processor. Aboard the Alaska Ocean, each deckhand carries a “Vicky,” shorthand for a Victorinox knife. This example is 7.5 inches long, including the handle.
Description
A good, sharp knife is an essential tool for fishermen working on the fish deck of a catcher-processor. Aboard the Alaska Ocean, each deckhand carries a “Vicky,” shorthand for a Victorinox knife. This example is 7.5 inches long, including the handle. It is used for mending nets, cutting lines, and for general duties like cutting up cardboard for the on-board incinerator. The holder for this knife has weathered a lot of use, evidenced by the tape repairs.
In a June 2007 interview with deck boss Brent Walter (who was in his twelfth year working on the Alaska Ocean) and deckhands Ben Boyok and Matt Prebezac (who had been with the Alaska Ocean for seven years and two years, respectively), they agreed that net repair was the hardest part of the job. The main difficulty involves learning to conceptualize the repair. Because the net mesh is so huge, it takes time and experience to understand how to make the repair correctly. At the time, the Alaska Ocean was fishing in waters about 50 miles off the coast of Washington State and using a mid-water trawl. Repairs to the nets were minimal. The deckhands expected to do more net repair later in the season when the vessel moved to the Bering Sea, where the nets get torn from bottom-fishing.
The Alaska Ocean is a 376-foot-long vessel in the Seattle-based catcher-processor fleet. Workers catch, process, package, and freeze groundfish—mostly pollock and Pacific whiting—in the Bering Sea and in the waters off the coast of the Pacific Northwest.
date made
ca 2007
maker
Victorinox Swiss Army
ID Number
2007.0178.03
catalog number
2007.0178.03
accession number
2007.0178

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