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Pullman Porter Cap, 1940-1960

THF810069 / Pullman Porter Cap, 1940-1960
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Artifact Overview

For a century, Pullman was synonymous with first-class rail travel. The company not only built sleeping cars, it also operated them to ensure quality service, and porters and car attendants wore Pullman-branded uniforms. For Black Americans, jobs as Pullman porters offered a pathway into the middle class. But the work was demanding. Porters were expected to always be attentive to passengers.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Cap (Headgear)

Date Made

1940-1960

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in The Gallery by GM

Object ID

2025.149.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Wool (Textile)
Leather
Metal
Braid (Trimming)
Vinyl
Cotton (Textile)

Color

Brown (Color)
Black (Color)
Gold (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 4.5 in
Width: 7 in
Length: 9.5 in

Inscriptions

on plate on front: PULLMAN / PORTER stamped in gold inside crown: RUBY'S / UNIFORM CAPS / 205. W. Ma[illegible] / CHICAGO on sticker on interior headband: 7 1/8
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    Artifact

    Pullman Porter Uniform Jacket, 1940-1960

    For a century, Pullman was synonymous with first-class rail travel. The company not only built sleeping cars, it also operated them to ensure quality service, and porters and car attendants wore Pullman-branded uniforms. For Black Americans, jobs as Pullman porters offered a pathway into the middle class. But the work was demanding. Porters were expected to always be attentive to passengers.