U.S. Army Medical Officer's Hat

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication.

Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], U.S. Army Medical Officer's Hat, c.1910, Textile-2021-005, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.3 Cubic Feet 1 box
Abstract:
This hat belonged to Major Adam Tyree Finch, (VPI class of 1893 and Professor 1898-1900) when serving in the Virginia Volunteers. Decorations on the brim denotes his rank as a Major and the maroon band around the hat denotes Medical Unit.
Language:
The material in this collection is in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], U.S. Army Medical Officer's Hat, c.1910, Textile-2021-005, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The hat is black and is a structured circular hat with a short brim. The base of the hat is wraped with gold and red ribbon. There are sets of two grommets on either side of the hat. The front of the hat has the U.S. Armys Eagle logo with the word "VIRGINIA" underneath it. Two gold buttons with the same logo holds a gold strap across the hat just above the brim. The brim of the hat has a greenery motif. The interior of the cap is lined with a brown leather. The condition is fair, some loose threads, dirt, and stains.

Biographical / historical:

Adam Tyree Finch was born in 1872 in Chase City, Virginia. He attended the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College. While attending VAMC, Finch served as the business director of the Gray Jacket. After completing his degree in 1893, Finch earned an M.D. from the University of Virginia in 1896. He then took a job at the Polyclinic Hospital and Dispensary of New York City.

Finch returned to the VAMC, then the Virginia Polytechnic Institute, in 1898 to take the position of Professor of Military Science and Tactics and succeeded Lt. Shanks as Commandant of Cadets. He also served as an Assistant Professor of Physiology and Materia Medica. Finch married Miss Elizabeth Dinwiddie Morton on September 8, 1899, in Clarksville, Virginia. He left VPI in Spring of 1900 and served in the U.S. Army Reserve. Adam Finch passed away in 1933 and is buried with his wife in the Woodland Cemetery, Chase City, Virginia.

Source: "Adam Tyree Finch" entry, Findagrave.com, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/77726320/adam-tyree-finch

Acquisition information:
The collection was acquired by Special Collection and University Archives prior to 2021.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the U.S. Army Medical Officer's Hat was completed in June 2025. Preliminary description was completed in 2021.

Indexed terms

Names:
Finch, Adam T., 1872-1933