Cover Page

Preface

Introduction

The Developing Years

Photofile

Bibliography

Notes

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C

National Park Service Uniforms The Developing Years 1932-1970	Number 5
The Developing Years (continued)

Apparently the incorporation of the uniform regulations in the NPS Administrative Manual was not satisfactory, because in 1959 a new format was inaugurated. On December 2 the National Park Service Uniforms Handbook was issued. It was to become fully effective on January 1, 1961. The new regulations not only gave the regulations (when, what and how to wear) and specifications for uniform dress, but a somewhat abbreviated history of National Park Service Uniforms; definitions of terms; hints on the care and maintenance of uniforms (use clear nail polish to retard buttons from tarnishing); posture (protruding stomachs and slumped shoulders constitute being out of uniform); list of current uniform suppliers; etc.

Conrad Louis Wirth, Director, National Park Service, 1951-1964 NPSHPC-Abbie Rowe photo-HFC#1960A

The Regulations and Specifications section begin with a message from Director Conrad L. Wirth. This set the tone for the in-depth detail of the following instructions.

"Despite the excellent appearance our uniformed force makes at many areas, there does exist a casual attitude about the wearing of the National Park Service uniform at many other areas. We find people (including superintendents) who should be in uniform not wearing the uniform. We find others not wearing the proper uniform, or wearing it carelessly. We find them worn with ornaments, tie pins, and various unauthorized lapel buttons or other insignia. We have said very little about this in the past, but now we are beginning to get criticism from people outside the Service.

"It is time to correct the uniform situation throughout the Service, and to follow through and see that it stays corrected. The uniform identifies us. It can and should be worn proudly and, now that annual uniform allowances help bear the costs, added emphasis should be given to wearing it properly.

"I wish to point out that it is the responsibility of the superintendents to scrutinize the uniform of each individual to see that every detail is correct in accordance with regulations; that it is worn when required; and that it is worn properly, without unauthorized additions or decorations. Superintendents have authority to decide when the uniform dress coat shall be worn.

"We realize there will be problems, nevertheless we are expecting superintendents to meet the situation and emphasize it by individual inspections and comments. The wearing of the uniform is an official--not a personal matter. Regional directors will observe the situation at each area and assist when necessary. I feel certain of your complete cooperation."

Ranger with hikers along trail of Mt. Le Conte, Great Smoky Mts NP, 1960. Ranger is wearing his badge on his shirt above his left pocket. He is also wearing the pith helmet although it had been eliminated from the regulations on September 18, 1953. NPSHPC-Jack Boucher photo-HFC#C60-JB-387

The manual goes on to denote responsibilities and various methods to achieve uniformed employee compliance to the regulations.

The history section ends with "In the words of former Superintendent Frank Pinkley, "The National Park service Uniform can and does build morale in the man who wears it, and prestige in the eyes of the public--when it is worn by the right man."

Some of the definitions in the new manual are interesting.

Standard was no longer used since all uniforms authorized were standard for the circumstances.

Uniform denoted only men's uniform. Women's uniforms were described seperately.

Dirty-Work Clothing meant no prescribed uniform. Civilian clothing devoid of any official NPS garments or accessories that would identify wearer as a park employee was to be worn when doing dirty or messy work, including small fire suppression duty. (The work uniform was to worn when fighting large fires, where NPS recognition was desired.)

This last one is especially fascinating. It would seem the Service didn't want the public to know the rangers got their hands dirty.

Since the employees purchased their own clothing, the handbook went into great detail as to the style and material of the various uniform articles. Suppliers were required to attach a "guarantee label" on the clothing and equipment they furnished to Service personnel, certifying that the article met NPS standards. Another innovation was the mention in the specifications of various suppliers names whose uniform articles were judged to set the standard.

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Last Modified: Wed, Feb 7 2001 11:30:00 pm PDT
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