Item 01
Original 1937 Stetson
Issued to Trooper #003
One of the first hats issued to the Patrol's founding troop. Felt is intact; original sweatband signed in pencil.
A working closet of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol — every cap, patch, holster, and pair of boots ever issued to a state trooper, arranged by decade so visitors can watch the uniform evolve in real time.
Every uniform decision tells a story. The 1937 Stetson said this is a state-wide force, not a sheriff's posse. The 1965 switch to the campaign hat said we are professionals, not cowboys. The mirror-shined oxford replaced the cavalry boot in 1973 because troopers spent more time on their feet than in the saddle.
This gallery lays the entire wardrobe out chronologically — patches, badges, belts, headgear — with the original tailoring orders, fabric samples, and insignia drawings. Visitors come for the uniforms; they stay for the orders that explain why each piece was changed.
One of the first hats issued to the Patrol's founding troop. Felt is intact; original sweatband signed in pencil.
A first-issue Patrol badge, hand-stamped by an Oklahoma City silversmith. Numbered 14 of the original lot of 50.
Trooper R.B. Hall's service belt — leather worn smooth where the holster rode, brass buckle re-tinned twice.
The first year of the modern campaign hat. Lighter, water-resistant, and with the four-dent crease still in regulation.
Carried at every line-of-duty funeral and at the inauguration of every Oklahoma governor since 1972.
A graduation-day tunic, worn by Trooper J.A. Boren on his pinning day. Donated by his family in 2024.
The uniform gallery occupies the original Marland family library on the second floor. Original walnut bookcases now serve as garment cases. Stair access; elevator available.