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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.
The collection was acquired by Special Collection and University Archives prior to 2021.
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.
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
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
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.
See also the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College Cadet Jacket, Adam Finch Collection and Adam T. Finch Papers, at Virginia Tech Special Collections and University Archives.
The guide to the U.S. Army Medical Officer's Hat by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (