I scored 9 of these amazing 1950s vintage AAA school safety patrol felt hats—all from different cities/areas—and they are soooo cool!

These were crossing guard hats worn by children. They were not authorized to stop or direct traffic, but they were there to hold other children back until it was safe. More history below.

This particular hat is from Altoona, VA. It is blue felt with white lettering and red fabric trim around the bottom.

Folded flat, it measures 11" x 5-1/4". One side has the AAA logo and SCHOOL SAFETY PATROL; the other side is blank.

The hat is definitely sized for a child (won't fit my head). I would say a middle-schooler. It is in good condition for it's age, although it does show some cracking on the white type, and some very small holes.

These hats are also known as "side caps", "garrison caps", or "flight caps". They are designed to fold flat when not being worn. I think we've all seen them for military personnel, so it must've made the kids feel very official.

History: The earliest school safety patrols date back to the 1920s. With the rise of automobile traffic, The first patrols originated in St. Paul, and shortly thereafter, AAA started their patrols. The move was spearheaded by Chicago president Charles M. Hayes, after he witnessed a fatal traffic accident involving children.

I will always combine shipping when feasible, and refund any shipping overcharges over $1.