If you were a movie goer in the 1990s, the image and the phrase “what’s in the box?” from the movie Se7en evokes specific memories, but moviegoers knew the contents. But we sympathized with Brad Pitt as his character realized that the answer was a grisly discovery (watch the clip to see for yourself). While we never actually see what is in the box, it is a powerful moment as the movie reaches its finale. The National VA History Center team recently had a similar experience when opening a box in our growing collection.
If you read our previous Halloween themed Curator Corner Happy Halloween and creepy dolls – VA History, you know that we have several creepy dolls in our inventory. When opening the last box of what we thought were rehabilitation dolls, we discovered a mannequin head and had our own what’s-in-the-box moment. Initially, we weren’t sure why it was included in the objects we received from Mountain Home VA Medical Center. Since it was not part of the rehab dolls collection, we put it back in the box and did not give it much thought.
Recently, we started going back through our items, and we realized the head was a good Halloween image. We were looking for something with an “American Horror Story” feel. When we took it out of the box to photograph, we discovered the reason for the mannequin head. Tucked into the wrapping paper was a cap worn by a Red Cross volunteer at the Mountain Home VA. Fortunately, the cap included a handwritten note with some background on the object:
“Red Cross Volunteer Worker Cap from About 1949-50, Worn by Thelma Glisson who is currently a vol. for SWS in the RCH Program (& has been for years!) -KH 9-14-90”
Note transcription
This style of cap was worn after World War II and was important because it easily distinguished a Red Cross volunteer nurse from other staff. While the uniforms changed over time, the Red Cross has remained the key symbol for volunteers. You can learn more about the history of the Red Cross nursing program at their website.
Hopefully, these spooky images will not haunt your nightmares.
Have a great Halloween from the VA History Office.
By Kurt Senn
Curator, National VA History Center
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